School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed rifle, T. VOGLER
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed rifle, T. VOGLER
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed rifle, “Natanuel Vogler Salem N.C.” Journeyman gunsmith around 1828.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
Just below you will find an alphabetical listing of riflemakers in the KRF database. Riflemakers are listed by their state and school. Click on the area of interest and a new list will be displayed.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Earl Township, 1820
School: Harrisonburg/Rockingham (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Brownsville, Fayette County (1847)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1813 in Ohio) Columbiana County, Ohio (1839) Perry Township, Fayette County (1847-48) Connellsville, Fayette County (1948-49) Jefferson Township, Fayette County (1850) Brownsville, Fayette County (1852-53) East Pike Run Township, Washington County (1860-80)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1836) East Pike Run Township, Washington County (1860-75)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Weisenberg Township, Northampton County, 1812-1848, Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Weisenberg Township, Northampton County, 1812-1848, Tax List-Easton
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith,John Rupp (1786-1848), nephew of gunsmith Herman Rupp, was taxed as a gunsmith in Weisenberg Twp., Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. J. Rupp specimens regularly present fully evolved Lehigh architecture–sleek and graceful with a pronounced curvilinear buttstock profile.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
A. Herman Rupp (1756-1831) worked as early as 1793 in Macungie Twp., Lehigh Co., PA. His products are graceful pieces which normally present the classic Lehigh architecture in its fully-developed form. For further information see the monographs of R. G. Gabel.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Brownsville, Fayette County (1850)
School: Maryland
Name also spelled Row. Apprenticed to John Armstrong.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Smith, Elizabeth Township, 1830-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Luzern Township, Fayette County (1795-96) Fredericktown, Washington County (1798-1818)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County(1850)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(died 1816) Fredericktown, Washington County (1799-1802) Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio (1803-16)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1786, died 1864) Fredericktown, Washington County (1807-08) Zanesville, Ohio (1813-64)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Roop was taxed as a gunsmith from 1805 to 1815 in the Swatara/Paxton region of Dauphin County, near Harrisburg. Many of the barrels of his flintlocks are signed “I Roop” in block letters. Roop’s rifles frequently present attractive 4-piece patchboxes with pierced finials. It is believed that there was, for a period of time, a father and son team, Jacob Sr., and Jacob Jr., but signed rifles bear no distinction.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1858-64)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1813 in Tennessee) Brownsville, Fayette County (1849-54) New Castle, Lawrence County (1854-58) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1862-67)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Mathias Roessor (Roeser) was listed as a gunsmith in the 1759-1770 circa. He was one of the patriarchs of the Lancaster school of gunbuilding. A memorial plaque was erected by the Commonwealth in 2000 in Lancaster which reads: Mathias Roeser…Here from 1740-1771 lived one of colonial America’s most important gunsmiths. His work was central to the development of the Pennsylvania rifle. Other family members, and an apprentice, William Henry, Sr., became leading gunsmiths and supplied arms to the patriot cause in the Revolution.”
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759-1770
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Maryland
Wills Town and Cumberland The second Martin Rizer was born before 1755 a son of Martin I and Anna Rizer. He or his father was connected in the gunmaking business with Philip Sheetz in Martinsburg, (West) Virginia, and there were legal actions against him in 1789. He or his father was then imprisoned for eight days. After disposing of his 400 acres of Berkeley County property he settled in the Wills Town area. He was recorded as having personal assets of $135.00 in Cumberland – Its Foundation and Growth. Daniel Sells was apprenticed to him to learn the art or trade of gunsmith on August 13, 1799. John Riley was also bound for the gunsmith trade on December 13, 1803 and Bazel Smith Jr. on August 31, 1805. On January 22, 1814, John Cumberly Jr. became his student to learn blacksmithing. Martin II died in 1815 and his estate was appraised on January 4, 1816. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Cumberland He was born about 1790 a son of George I. Joshua Devou was bound to him on May 16, 1819, to learn the blacksmith trade as was Charles Bennett on December 15 of the same year. His personal assets are recorded in Cumberland – Its Foundation and Growth as being $200.00. He was married to Margaret Hoffman Rizer and his will of Ocotber 26, 1862, was probated on July 9, 1864. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(died 1790) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1789-90)
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Logan Township. Born: 1802
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Eldorado, Logan Township.Born: 1824 Died:1902
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born in 1795 in Maryland; silversmith, gunsmith, locksmith) Georgetown, D.C. (1817) Brownsville, Fayette County (1818-50)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1839-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny, Allegheny County (1856-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny County (1823)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
German Township, Fayette County (1798-1803)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Name also listed in the records as, Roesser, Roesor, Roeser, Resser, Reser and Reasor. Listed in Lancaster County Pennsylvania until 1790 and then in Washington County Maryland. Died in Lancaster in 1823.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown Peter was one of the sons of Mathias Roesser and learned the gunsmith trade from his father in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When his father died in 1771 he acquired the family homestead, but sold it to his brother-in-law Jacob Kraft, who was also a gunsmith. About 1785 Peter and his family moved to Elizabeth Town where he continued his trade. During the War of 1812 he moved about 15 miles up the Valley to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and spent his later years in Lancaster where he died in 1823. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny Arsenal, Allegheny County (1817-33)
School: Maryland
Baltimore The 1860 Baltimore census lists him as being a gunsmith, 37 years of age, and residing at 710 Baltimore St. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1836-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1847
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1833 in Germany) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1860)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1842) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1860)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1779-1790
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Paxton Township, 1754-1777
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Reichenbach worked in Lancaster Boro in the late period and appears on tax lists c.1850. His set of tools is held by the Museum of American Culture in Hershey, PA.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born in 1795 in Germany) Lawrenceville, Allegheny County (1850)
School: Berks Womelsdorf (Pennsylvania/PA)
Leonard Reedy [B 1776 – D 1837] , Master Gunsmith, Womelsdorf, Pine Grove and Gratz, Pa.
Leonard Reedy learned the gunsmith trade while an apprentice to John Bonewitz in Womelsdorf, Berks Co., Pa. It is estimated he joined Bonewitz as an apprentice in 1790, at age 14, and achieved Master Gunsmith status 7 or 8 years later. He remained in the Bonewitz, Womelsdorf shop after completing his apprenticeship and moved with the Bonewitz family to Pine Grove, Pa. in 1809. Sometime after the conclusion of the War of 1812 he moved to Gratz, Pa. where he continued as a Master Gunsmith and also became a local Justice of the Peace.
Both Bonewitz and Reedy are credited with teaching the mysteries of the gunsmith trade to Andrew Fichthorn Jr. who returned to Reading in 1802-1803 and established his own shop.
Leonard Reedy’s account journals, while in Gratz, are the subject of 10 pages [13-22] in Joe Kindig’s famous book ‘Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age’ printed in 1960. His Gratz account journals are also reviewed in an article published by the Gratz Historical Society. ‘The Lost Years of Leonard Reedy’ were the subject of a private research effort by KRA member H. I. Bishop presented to KRA members in 2004.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
E. Reedy was the son of Leonard Reedy and lived about three miles from Gratz, Dauphin Co., PA. (Kauffman)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Springhill Township, Fayette County (1813-15) Washington Township, Fayette County (1815-16,1819)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
David Reduk, Annville Twp., Dauphin Co., PA, tax list 1800, gunsmith. (Kauffman)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779-1781
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lockmaker, Lnacaster Boro., 1759
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Martic Township, 1796-1798
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Barree Township. Working dates: 1799-1818.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1782-1786
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1774
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1811-1839
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1770-1780
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Raaf, gunsmith, Halifax Boro, Dauphin Co., PA, 1820 tax list. (Kauffman)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Raaf, gunsmith, Halifax Boro, Dauphin Co., PA, 1820 tax list. (Kauffman)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(gunsmith, blacksmith, auger maker) East Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1827-36)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny Arsenal, Allegheny County (1819-21) Vedrsailles Township, Allegheny County (1826) St. Clair Township, Allegheny County (1834) Baldwin Township, Allegheny County (1844-48) South Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1848-50)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
German Township, Fayette County (1815-16) Menallen Township, Fayette County (1816-19)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(died 1947) Pleasant Grove, Washington County (1890-1900)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Heidleburg Township, 1772
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
M. Poorman was one of Dauphin County’s earliest gunsmiths, his name first appearing in 1772 Lancaster court documents, which antedate the formation of Dauphin County by 13 years. His work is exceedingly rare and known specimens have characteristics similar to the work of Martin Shell.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Benjamin Smith Pollock-David’s brother) Neshannock, Lawrence County (1840) New Castle, Lawrence County (1841) Shenango Township, Lawrence County (1849)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1795, died 1876; gunsmith, miller) Mifflin Township, Allegheny County (1820-46) Baldwin Township, Allegheny County (1846-65) Taylor Township, Merecer County (1870)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1820 in England, died 1895) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1842-95)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1822) East Finley Township, Washington County (1850-61)
School: Maryland
Baltimore Lewis Pipino was born on December 25, 1839, in Bier, Bavaria. He came to this country with his brother Jacob C. Pipino in the mid 1840s and learned the gunsmith trade in Baltimore. He was employed as a gunsmith with his brother at 20 Ensor Street. In 1859 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to the West. Upon being discharged during the War Between the States he returned home and re-enlisted as a private on January 14, 1864, in Company C, 8th Maryland Regiment Infantry. At Hatcher’s Run, Virginia, he was wounded on October 26, 1864. Lewis was transferred to Company C, First Maryland Infantry and was discharged on July 2, 1865. After the war, he continued his military careet by re-enlisting in the 2nd U.S. Cavalry. He was again sent west. He was discharged on September 20, 1873, at Fort Laramie, Dakota Territory. He returned to Baltimore in 1875 and died on May 23, 1924, at the U.S. Soldier’s Home in Washington, D.C. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Baltimore John L. Pipino was born in 1827 in Germany. He opened up a gun shop the same year as his brother, Jacob C. Pipino, on 16 Mercer Street in Baltimore. In 1851 he was located at 46 1/2 Harrison Street, 1867 at Cross Street near Shop and 1868 at Peach Alley near Cross. This was the last listing where he was self employed. After this time he was either employed with his brother or went to Illionis where he is recorded in the state gazetteer as a single freeman gunsmith working into the 1880s. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Alexandria, Porter Township. Working dates: 1850-1870. Born 1799 Died after 1880.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Warrior’s Mark Township. Lifespan: 1783-1873.
School: Maryland
Emmitsburg George Piper was born in 1783, a son of Peter Piper. He was bound on August 31, 1801, to John Armstrong to learn the gunsmith and lockmaking trade. After completing his apprenticeship he worked in York County, Pennsylvania. Peter Piper died in Franklin Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, and left equal shares of his worldly goods to all his children except George. “He is not th have an equal share with my other children.” On 4 February an advertisement in the Adams County Sentinel offered a reward for a stolen rifle. The gun had been left at John Settel’s Gunshop for repairs but picked up under false pretenses by George Piper. The name of George Piper, gunsmith, appears on the tax lists of 1842-43 in Hopewell Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. We do not know what happened to Piper thereafter. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny, Allegheny County (1891-94)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Manheim Township, 1811
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(armorer) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1791-92)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1812) West Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1838-60)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Heidelberg Township, Northampton County, 1795 *Penna. Ger. Soc.
School: Botetourt (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown Thomas Patton offers reward for a filly missing from Mr. Henderson’s Meadow near Hagerstown. {The Maryland Herald & Elizabeth-Town Advertiser, January 2, 1800} Gun-Smiths Wanted. The subscribers wish to engage the following workmen–one good Mounting or Bayonet Forger, two good Filers and one or two good Polishers, to such they will give generous wages.–Any person can find the road from Winchester to this place. WHEELER & HOME Washington, Culpepper, Oct. 17, 1800. ANY of our friends and acquaintances, that should incline to come here; we the subscriber, working in the above employ, certify, that the employer and place we are perfectly pleased with. FRANCIS DOWLER, GEORGE BRENISE, THOMAS PATTON, JOHN RESOR, JOHN KAYLER, MICHAEL NICOL, PETER LINK. {Maryland Herald & Elizabeth-Town Advertiser, October 30, 1800} Letters remaining at the Post Office at Frederick Town — Thomas Patton. {Bartgis’s Republican Gazette, January 4, 1805} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Allegheny Gun Works) Allegheny, Allegheny County (1892)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1832; gunsmith, barrel maker) Allegheny, Allegheny County (1850) Pittsburgh, Allegheny (1858-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Smith Township, Washington County (1827)
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Franklin Township. Worked in the 1780’s.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Cassville, Cass Township. Lifespan: 1773-1851.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henderson Township. Worked in the 1820’s.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1825 in Virginia) Morris Township, Washington County (1870)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Cocalico Township, 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Brecknock Township 1828-1844
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Samuel Pannebecker was taxed as a gunsmith in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, from 1828-1844.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Brecknock Township, 1826-1834
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1833-1838
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jess Pannebecker worked as a gunsmith in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., and appears in county records from 1826-1834.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township 1828-1831
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
The Pannebecker family of Cumru and Brecknock Townships consisted of no less than eight gunmakers. Although some, like Samuel and Jess also worked in nearby Lancaster County, the grandfather, Daniel was one of the first to make guns near Mohnton in the late 1700s. Through marriages and related apprenticeships the Pannebecker family spawned barrel makers such as Henry Deeds, the Worleys, Cyrus Hornberger and the Schnaders – the last gun barrel makers along the Wyomissing Creek.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Daniel Pannebecker was a gunsmith working in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., in the 1828-1831 era.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1822, died 1896) Elizabeth, Allegheny County (1850-51) West Newton, Westmoreland County (1852) Elizabeth, Allegheny County (1858-59) West Elizabeth, Allegheny County (1860) Elizabeth, Allegheny County (1861-80) Greensboro, Greene County (1885-90)
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Palm was a versatile gunmaker located on Second Street, Womelsdorf, Heidelberg Township until he died in 1865. His work shows little influence by the earlier Womelsdorf makers, making a variety of rifles from plain guns to fancy silver inlaid rifles. Palm often numbered his rifles alongside his signature. He also worked in neighboring Lancaster County for a short period during the early 1800s.
School: Womelsdorf (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Palm of Womelsdorf, Berks Co., appears in the U. S. Census of 1850 as a gunsmith. According to the business directory, he was still working ten years later in the same trade. (Kauffman)
School: Botetourt (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Cumberland Leonard was the son of Charles A. Pagenhardt who made guns and pistols at Westernport. After the War Between the States, Leonard advertised as a gun and locksmith at 62 North Mechanic Street in Cumberland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Westernport In 1853 Charles A. Pagenhardt and William Shaw, his presumed mentor, purchased property in Westernport and workded together in the gunsmith trade. The property was taken over by Pagenhardt in in 1857 when Shaw moved to Grantsville. Charles had seven other land transactions with the last being in 1873. His son, Leonard E. Pagenhardt, advertised as a gun and locksmith in the late percussion period. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Walker Township. Working dates: 1801-1810. Died 1845. Worked in Emmittsburg Maryland prior to 1801.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1828) Claysville, Washington County (1850-62)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Hempfield Township, 1779-1780
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Hempfield Township, 1780-1783
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
A father and son, both named John Newcomer, both worked in Lancaster County. The father was reportedly making guns as early as 1767. The elder John Newcomer died in the 1780’s.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Hempfield Township, 1802
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Abram Newcomer surfaces in documentation as early as 1761 as a gunsmith working out of Lancaster Boro.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1761
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1828) Richhill Township, Greene County (1850-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1831) Morris Township, Washington County (1850)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1826
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1804 in Germany) West Newton, Westmoreland County (1859-61)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1786 in New York) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1817)
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Neihardt (several variations of spelling noted) was born in 1743 and died in 1813. He worked in Whitehall Township, Northhampton County (now Lehigh Co.) and is regarded today as a grand master of the region. His architecturally gracefull rifles present many Germanic features which reflect the influence of the Moravian masters at Christian Springs, but Neihardt’s guns usually do not present the pronounced buttstock curvature seen in the guns of the later, fully-developed Lehigh pattern. Hence, Neihardt’s work can be seen as transitional between the earliest period and the era when the Lehigh form became a distinct and pronounced regional style. Neihardt’s work is not commonly encountered today and any genuine specimen can be regarded as a rarity. Further information can be found in the KRA Bulletin and in monographs published by R.G. Gabel
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1811-12)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1809-1832
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Nathan Moll School: Northampton/Lehigh Nathan Moll (1814 – 1882) was the younger brother of John Jr., Peter, and David Moll. After learning the trade from his brother, John Jr., in Allentown, Nathan first moved to Lower Saucon Valley in the mid – late 1830’s. Later he moved south of Quakertown to Rock Hill Township, Bucks County, where he built and repaired guns until moving to Iowa in the 1870’s.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lampeter Township, (Only proof is inventory, 1751
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Shirleysburg Shirley Township. Working dates: 1824-1880. Life span: 1804-1880.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Manor Township, 1847-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1859-79
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny, Allegheny County (1860) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County ((1861-62; with William Craig)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington, Washington County (1847-49)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1817
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1841-47)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1751 (Deed Book C)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1841-1847
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1840
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Etna, Allegheny County (1860-61) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1864-65)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1801-03)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1770 in Massachusetts, died 1823; gunsmith, clock maker) West Newton, Westmoreland County (1810-23)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Uniontown, Fayette County (1842-43)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Springhill Township, Fayette County (1817-30)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1850) New Freeport, Greene County (1876)
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Johannes Moll (aka John Moll Sr.) School: Northampton/Lehigh Johannes Moll (? – 1794) was the patriarch of a famous family of gunsmiths in the Lehigh Valley. He first appeared on the tax assessment of “Northampton Town” (Allentown) for the year 1764. He prospered in the gunsmith business and owned land in Allentown as well as in contiguous townships. His son, John Moll (aka John Moll II), followed in the gun making trade. His other son, Peter, became a wealthy businessman and landowner in the Allentown area.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Moll Jr. (aka John Moll III) School: Northampton/Lehigh John Moll Jr. (1796 – 1883) succeeded his father in the Allentown gunshop. He purchased the business from his father and ran it from 1820 to 1883. In 1860, he partnered in the business with his son, W. H. Moll. John Moll Jr.’s mother was the niece of gunsmith, Peter Neihardt.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Moll (aka John Moll II) School: Northampton/Lehigh John Moll (1773 – 1867) was the successor to his father’s gun business in Allentown, PA. In 1820 he sold the business to his son, John Moll Jr. (aka John Moll III).
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
William H. Moll (1825 – ?) was the son of John Moll Jr. (III) and became a partner in the family business in Allentown in 1860. William was the 4th generation of Moll gunsmiths working in Allentown. With the death of William’s father in 1883, the great Moll gun making firm was dissolved and no more.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Moll (1799 – 1879), son of John Moll, moved to Hellertown to work as a gunsmith after his brother, John Moll Jr. bought the business from their father. Peter was making guns in Hellertown by 1826. Peter’s mother was the niece of Peter Neihardt, another master gunsmith of Lehigh Valley.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Nathan Moll (1814 – 1882) was the younger brother of John Jr., Peter, and David Moll. After learning the trade from his brother, John Jr., in Allentown, Nathan first moved to Lower Saucon Valley in the mid – late 1830’s. Later he moved south of Quakertown to Rock Hill Township, Bucks County, where he built and repaired guns until moving to Iowa in the 1870’s.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
David Moll (1807 – 1853) was the brother of John Jr. and Peter Moll. David joined his brother, Peter, in Hellertown in the very late 1820’s-1830. Together they formed the great P&D Moll gunshop of Hellertown. They are best known for their high grade pistols and fine rifles.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Morris Township. Working dates: 1795-1800.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1768, died 1808) Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1802-08)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Simon Miller worked in the borough of Hamburg, Windsor Township from the late 1700s to 1806. Miller was a prolific maker of rifles and pistols. His rifle design with the Roman-nose stock and a distinctive patchbox design rarely varied.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Uniontown, Fayette County (1814)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1771-1803
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1771-1789
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Sam Dyke located no fewer than three John Millers, all of whom were gunsmiths within Lancaster Boro in the 18th and/or 19th centuries. It appears that a John and John Jr., worked as a team from 1771. Records do not exist for John beyond 1789, though John Jr. continues to appear on tax records until 1803. In 1863 another John Miller appears in county records listed as a gunsmith working within the Boro.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
West Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1793-1800)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1773
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1842-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1811
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1820 in Germany) Allegheny, Allegheny County (1850; penitentiary-horse stealing)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County, Maryland (1796) Georges Township, Fayette County (1800-14)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1841
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1812
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1816
School: Maryland
Frederick Census records reveal that Jacob Metzger, Sr., was born during the mid 1760s and was learning the gunsmith trade in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, probably with Jacob Groff, during the Revolution. His shop was located on East King St., near DeMuth’s Tocacco Shop. On January 15, 1788, he purchased lot No. 5 in Fredericktown. His wife, Christiana, was born in Lancaster County on July 14, 1766. A son, Jacob Jr., was born to them on January 1, 1789. Jacob Sr.’s last will and testament was written on June 19, 1826, and the will was probated on October 9, 1837. Jacob Metzger, Jr. may have followed his father’s trade bacause, in 1856, a gunsmith by the name of Jacob T. Metzger, who may have been a grandson to Jacob Sr., was working in Lancaster on North Queen Street above Orange Street. By 1863 that man was working in Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1879 Montgomery County, Indiana. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. Jacob Metzker, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 26-45, 4 females under 10, 1 female 26-45. {1800 Frederick County census} Jacob Metzker, 2 males under 10, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 45 & up, 2 females under 10, 1 female to 26, 1 female to 45, 1 female 45 and up. {1820 Frederick County census, District 3} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1754-1777
School: Maryland
Learned gunsmithing in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Worked in Frederick Maryland.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1809) Mapletown, Greene County (1830-36)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Messersmith was an early maker of flintlock longrifles in Lancaster Boro. He appears on tax records for the years 1779-1810.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1779-1810
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Messesmith was the patriarch of a multi-generation gunmaking family in Lancaster. He appears in county records as early as 1747, placing him in the category of being one of the earliest makers.
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
A rifle signed by John Schreit and dated 1761 is the earliest dated Kentucky rifle that is known to exist. John Schreit (Shreight) worked in Reading Town and is shown as a gunsmith and landowner of a town lot in the 1758 Berks County records. American rifles of this age are rarely found and even rarer are signed and dated rifles from the period.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Messersmith was an active gunsmith working out of Lancaster Boro in the 1802-1814 era.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1809
School: Maryland
Baltimore Nathaniel Melchoir was born in Germany in 1808. He became a gunsmith in Baltimore by 1840. His wife’s name was Henriette. While he was making guns there were three other gunsmiths with the surname of Melchoir: Edward Melchoir, Harman Melchoir and Edward Melchoir. All worked during the 1860 period at different addresses. Nathaniel’s death was recorded on September 15, 1879. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Penn Township. Worked in the 1850’s.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Penn Township. Working dates: 1850-1870. Life span: 1816-1870.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Edward Mechlius, gunsmith, Halifax Boro, Dauphin Co., PA, tax list 1815. (Kauffman)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Smith Township, Washington County (1810-25) Bridgeport, Belmont County, Ohio (1829-33)
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Working dates: 1840-1844 Life span: 1818-1897. Moved to Canton IL in 1844.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Franklin Township, Westmoreland County (1839-42)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1779, died 1851) Franklin Township, Westmoreland County (1802-51)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1763 in Virginia, died 1850) Versailes Township, Allegheny County (1791-1800) Cool Springs Township, Mercer County (1802-51)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1824, died 1864 at Battle of Peachtree Creek, Georgia) Washington, Washington County (1850-61)
School: Harrisonburg/Rockingham (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Botetourt (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Bullskin Township, Fayette County (1827-32, 1834-40) Connellsville, Fayette County (1833)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1794; runaway apprentice of S. Galbraith) Pitt Township, Allegheny County (1813)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1822; gunsmith, innkeeper) Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County (1843-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1825, died 1864) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850-64; with William Craig in 1850 and with William Craig in Iron City Gun Works, 1856-57)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
William McCune is identified as a gunsmith in county records working out of Colerain Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, circa 1826-1846.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Colerain Township, 1826-1846
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(died 1820) Uniontown Township, Fayette County (1785-90) Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio (1813-20)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1813) Nottingham Township, Washington County (1835-36) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1849-60) Gastonville, Washington County (1862-90)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1796, died 1868) Peters Township, Washington County (1816-17) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1826-30) Nottingham Township, Washington County (1831-46) Collins Township, Allegheny County (1850-68)
School: Maryland
Baltimore Alexander McComas was born near Bel Air in Harford County on February 27, 1821, a son of Preston McComas and was named after his grandfather. At the age of 13 his father brought him to Baltimore and placed him with Charles C.C. O’Brien to learn arms manufacturing. He remained with O’Brien for six years and , upon the death of his master, was bound to an un-named simth to finish his remaining three years. In July of 1843 he established his own business at 51 South Calvert Street. He became one of the Monumental City’s most prolific producers. During craftsmanship competitions at the Maryland Institute and the Metropolitan Mechanics’ Institute he won many awards. In 1844 he married Mary A. Hahn. There are only two known apprentices to McComas which have come to light: John Clenney and Oscar Johnson. His son, Harry H. McComas, was associated with him in the business. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, W. Hempfield Township, 1822
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(died 1815; innkeeper, gunsmith) Uniontown, Fayette County (1785-98)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(son of William McClelland) German Township, Fayette County (1795-1800)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(son of William McClelland) German Township, Fayette County (1795-1816)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1862) Wayne Township, Greene County (1880)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
German Township, Fayette County (1828-29)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(son of William McClelland) German Township, Fayette County (1802-11) Luzerne Township, Fayette County (1812-13)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Waynesburg, Greene County (1799)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(son of William McClelland) Waynesburg, Greene County (1798-1835)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(son of William McClelland German Township, Fayette County (1809-13) Greene Township, Greene County (1817-23) Monongahela Township, Greene County (1824-25)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County (1824-25) Nottingham Township, Washington County (1825-33) Monongahela, Washington County (1834-42)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1820, died 1872) Uniontown, Fayette County (1841-43) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1846-72)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1849; son of William McCartney) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1867-68)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1777) Washington, Washington County (1797) Wellsburg, (West) Virginia (1807-25) Harrison Township, Perry County, Ohio (1850)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(gunsmith, whitesmith) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1813-18)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Rapho Township, 1759-1790
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1803
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Mauger was born in 1750 and died in 1826. He worked in Douglas Township which lies along the Bucks County line. Mauger made rifles and pistols and apparently some locks. It is believed that John Derr apprenticed under Mauger and Derr used a similar patchbox design on his many of his rifles. This same design was also used by Joseph Faust.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1849
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith-Lockmaker, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1806 in Virginia) Elizabeth, Allegheny County (1839-60)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1847-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1811-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Michael Martin paid taxes as a gunsmith from 1820 to 1839 in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. It is likely that he worked beyond 1839, perhaps as late as 1850. Martin built guns in the early manner, substantial yet well proportioned and graceful, often with 4-piece brass patchboxes.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1802-06)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1847
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1860-61, 1864-65)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1817)
School: Maryland
Sharpsburg Jacob Marker was born in 1832 the son of James and Amelia Naeff Marker. He was raised in the Sharpsburg area and, after working with his father in the gun business, took over the gunshop in 1855. In 1869 Jacob made his first real estate purchase, jointly with his father, in sharpsburg. He was elected sheriff of Washington County in 1875 and his last indenture was recorded in 1890. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Middletown Valley George Marker, Jr., was born January 19, 1780, the third child of George Sr. and Mary Mohler Marker. His presumed mentor was probably his older brother Daniel. In May of 1801 he married Margaret Strum. He remained near the family homestead “Marker’s Delight” until 1816 when he purchased property in Election District 4. In 1823 he and his family moved to Germantown Pike near Ellerton in Montgomery County, Ohio, and, in the move, lost the indenture papers of his slaves. Two years later he moved to just south of Liberty, Ohio. The eleven children were all born in Maryland except for the youngest. George Jr. died on November 29, 1854. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. George Marker, 4 males under 10, 2 males 10-16, 1 male 16-18, 2 males 18-26, 2 males 26-45, 1 female to 16, 1 female to 45. {1820 Frederick County census, District 4} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Sharpsburg He was born in 1810 the fourth child of Daniel Sr. and Christina Beckenbaugh Marker. Daniel Jr. probably began learning the gunsmith trade under his father. when Daniel, Sr., moved to Martinsburg, (West) Virginia, Daniel Jr. would have been 12 years old. Therefore, he probably continued his training under either his grandfather, if he was a gunsmith, or his uncle George Jr. In 1831 as a master, Daniel Jr. opened his shop in Martinsburg where his father had previously been. The April 4, 1833, Virginia Republican carried an ad for Daniel Jr. showing that he had moved his shop to the corner of Burke and Queen Streets in the cabinet shop formerly occupied by James S. Boyd. In 1840 he married Catherine Sutten and resided near Sharpsburg. The year 1841 was the last year he was paying taxes in Martinsburg. He continued to reside in the Sharpsburg area and his will is recorded on October 19, 1891. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. “Marksmen! Attention! Daniel Marker, Sr., Daniel Marker, Jr., George Marker and Peter Marker will shoot with rifles, off hand, against any four men in Washington County, for, from 50 to 100 dollars. The time, place, and manner of shooting, to be agreed on when the challenge is accepted.” {Martinsburg Gazette, 2 March 1826} “Lock and Gunsmithing – Daniel Marker, Jun. – Having commenced the above business on Queen Street, a few doors below the Market House, would respectfully inform the public that he is now ready to fill any orders where with he may be furnished in the above branches of the business. He will make and repair guns of every description – Make and repair Door Locks of all kinds, besides all the various branches appertaining to the Locksmith business – Being determined to attend strictly to business and do his work in the best style, he hopes to receive (as he intends to merit) a share of Public patronage.” {Martinsburg Gazette, July 7, 1831} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(gunsmith, whitesmith) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1819-39)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington, Washington County (1834-35)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1856-59)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Lyne was one of Lancaster County’s early gunsmiths, working in the from the latter part of the 18th century up to 1805. His shop was in Conestoga Township.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Conestoga Township, 1751-1806
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1842
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1826 in Germany) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Albany Township
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Long, Stofil (Stofille) is shown in the 1850 census working as a gunsmith in Albany Township. Albany Township lays at the most northern end of Berks County and his rifles show nearby Lehigh County influences of slimmer, lighter rifles than those produced in other areas of Berks County. His rifles sometimes include the mysterious “Indian head” motif seen on rifles coming from the two neighboring county’s borders.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1834) Greensburg, Westmoreland County (1870)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1808) Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County (1835-67)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Uniontown, Fayette County (1846-48) South Union Township, Fayette County (1851-54) Logan and Kennedy (hardware dealers) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1831-47)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1792-1802
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
S. Dyke lists Matthew Llewellyn as being taxed as a gunsmith from 1792-1802, working within the boro of Lancaster, PA.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(runaway apprentice of Tower Adams) Washington, Washington County (1824)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1809; gun-barrel, shovel manufacturer Buffalo Township, Washington County (1827-30) Donegal Township, Washington County (1831-34) Ohio (1843-46) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850-63)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(James, Daniel, gun-barrel manufacturers) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850-54)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1815; gun-barrel, shovel manufacture) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850-55)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Simon Lingle was taxed as a gunsmith in 1850, working in Derry Twp., Dauphin Co., PA. (present-day Hershey) Known specimens are percussion rifles.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(gunsmith, blacksmith) Morris Township, Washington County (1811-35)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1818 in Virginia) Carmichaels, Greene County (1846-52) Morgantown, Monongalia County, (West) Virginia (1859-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1831 in Virginia) Carmichaels, Green County (1850, with Thomas P. Lilly)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1828) Uniontown, Fayette County (1850-51)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
German Township, Fayette County (1811) Springhill Township, Fayette County (1815-17)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
German Township, Fayette County (1845-48)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough Township, Beaver County (1846)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Cumberland Township, Greene County (1848-49) Marion County, (West) Virginia (1850)
School: Maryland
The 1880 federal census of Preston County, West Virginia, showed Daniel Lewis as a gunsmith, age 34, born in Maryland, with a wife named Susan. He was a partner in the gun business with G. A. Licle For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1803)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1788, died 1842) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1825-26) Fairview (now Springdale), Alleghany County (1837-42)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1843-1846
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1842-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1849-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1756-1700
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Philip LeFever, son of Isaac, carried on the Lampeter gunmaking business established by his father. He has been documented as working in the 1755-1770 time period.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1731-1736
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Isaac LeFever was one of the county’s earliest established gunamkers. He appears in county records as early as 1731 working out of Lampeter Township.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Lee (1825 – 1889) was both Nathan Moll’s apprentice and brother-in-law. George later worked for Peter Moll in Hellertown and married Peter’s daughter, Elizabeth. In 1874, after serving in the Civil War, George opened a tobacco and gun shop in Iron Hill, just north of Hellertown. George and his wife are buried in New Jerusalem Cemetary next to Peter Moll and his wife, Mary.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1802-05, 1823-30)
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
Also spelled Laether, Lether and Ledder.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1834-1885
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(hardware dealer) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850-76)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1783-1785
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1828 in Saxony, Germany) Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County (1860-70) Greenock, Allegheny County (1890)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Winchester/Frederick (Virginia/VA)
(born 1810 in Switzerland) Lawrenceville, Allegheny County (1850)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Benjamin F. Landis (1800-1833) learned the trade from Jacob Roop of Paxton and built guns in Halifax Boro. He was active within the county as early as 1819. It appears that Landis moved west sometime after 1825 for he later surfaces as a gunsmith in Cincinnati, Ohio.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1826) Borough Township, Beaver County (1849) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850) Madison, Wisconsin (1858-1859)
School: Monroe (Pennsylvania/PA)
L. Koch, Henryville, Monroe Co., PA, 1861, Builder of percussion rifles. (Kauffman)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(gunsmith, locksmith) Connellsville, Fayette County (1881)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1847)
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Christian Oerter (1747-1777) was a gunsmith at the early gunmaking center of Christian Springs; he succeeded Andreas Albrecht as master gunsmith here in 1771 and served in this capacity until his death.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Hempfield Township 1802
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Oberholtzer, gunsmith, Hempfield Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, 1798. Christian Jr., same location, 1802. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Hempfield Township 1789
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1837-1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lockmaker, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
East Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1816-30)
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Kuntz (1791-1862), brother of Jacob Kuntz, was a noted gunsmith in Whitehall Twp., Lehigh Co., PA. Along with his brother, he was an excellent maker of fine longrifles.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1799-1807
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1799-1807
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Kuntz (1780-1876), brother of Peter Kuntz, learned the trade in Allentown and was taxed as a gunsmith in nearby Whitehall Twp., Lehigh County in 1807. He moved to Philadelphia where he became noted as a fine maker of flintlock rifles and pistols. Kuntz’s better rifles are viewed today as some of the finest representations of regional utilitarian art.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
George L. Kunkle (d. 1869) was taxed as a gunsmith from 1831 to 1860 in Harrisburg, the county seat of Dauphin Co., PA. He built full-length flint and percussion guns, sometimes encountered with well-executed 4-piece patchboxes.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown William Kreps had six transactions of property, one mortage, one release, the purchase of one slave and one bill of sale in the Washington County Courthouse during his lifetime. He also participated in the purchase of ground for the Mount Zion Reform Church. His first deed for $260 current money on April 2, 1798, was for the property of gunsmith Ernst Dietz. On December 19, 1800, he also purchased from gunsmith John Gonter his house for $500. A mortage indenture was from gunsmith George Kreps Sr. on July 5, 1811. He was known as a gunsmith and hatter. On May 2, 1804, Kreps formed a partnership with George Binkley in the dry goods and grocery business that was formerly Geroge Binkley and Co. This partnership was dissolved in September of the same year. The mortgage holder George Sr. and William were both active in the fire company in 1808. He was appointed postmaster of Elizabeth Town on April 10, 1807. In the 1820 Washington County census there are two William Kreps. One of them was a member of the building committee of the German Reform Church at Cavetown when the corner stone was laid on August 8, 1827. The William Kreps who was later a post-master died in his 51st year on March 4, 1822. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Washington County In the 1860 federal census M. Kreps was listed as an armorer at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal. He was born in Maryland in 1822. Martin was married to Magdalena Kreps and resided in Hagerstown where he worked as a joiner. He died suddenly on May 9, 1806 in Baltimore and his wife, over the next few years, disposed of his property. It is not known if the gunsmith M. Kreps was of this family. Wife Susanna Kreps, born December 31, 1789, died October 21, 1818. {Washington County Cemetery Records, Page 263} Michael Kreps, born May 28, 1784, died December 9, 1835. Michael Kreps died September 28, 1867, aged 67 years, 6 months and 3 days. Wife Mary Kreps. {Washington County Cemetery Records, Page 232} Michael Kreps of Williamsport married Miss Mary Hoffman in 1820. He must have had a second marriage because in December of 1830 his daughter, Miss Margaret Kreps, married Cephas Bartleson of Williamsport. Mr. Kreps could also refer to Marvin T. Kreps who was born in 1823 and was employed as an armorer at the Southern Federal Armory or it could refer to on of the above. Marvin’s wife was named Margaret and they had eight children. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1783
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Saltillo, Clay Township. Born 1800 Died 1870.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Saltillo, Clay Township Worked in the 1850’s, Born 1829. Son of Samuel
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Bourough of Geeseytown, Frankstown Township. Approximate working dates: 1830- 1870 Lifespan: 1810-1900 Son of Andrew Kopp
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Geeseytown, Frankstown Township. Approximate working years: 1800-1875. Born 1781 Died 1875
School: Littlestown (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1837-1838
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Franklin Township, Washington County (1807-16)
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
P. Kline (d. 1870) was taxed as a gunsmith as early as 1828 and his name appears in county records as being active in the trade through the mid-1860’s. His gunshop was located in Halifax, Dauphin Co., PA. Halifax is located north of Harrisburg on the Susquehanna River and was the site of one of Pennsylvania’s F&I war forts.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Kline appears in Dauphin County records as a gunsmith working in Harrisburg, 1818-1821.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Stock Maker, West Earl Township, 1792-1793
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Klein (d.1825) built flintlocks at the dawn of the 19th century in Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., PA.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Stock Maker, West Earl Township, 1863
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Stock Maker, West Earl Township, 1849-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1803, died 1855) Bullskin Township, Fayette County (1821) Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County(1824-37) Tuolumne County, California (1848-52,1855)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(born 1823 in England) Lawrence, Allegheny County (1850-70)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, Alleghany County (1867-1870)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, Allegheny County (1867-70)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown On April 9, 1841, Joseph W. Keller and William Cookman advertised that they had commenced the gunsmithing business at the old stand lately occupied by William Hawken on Jonathan Street between Washington and Franklin in Hagerstown, where George Hawken had briefly worked. They manufactured guns, rifles and pistols of every description but the business was taken over again by William Hawken after five years. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1803
School: Maryland
Baltimore John Keenerm, Sr. was born in 1771, a son of Peter Keener. He followed his father in the gunsmith trade. John and his father were gunsmiths at Green and North Streets, Baltimore. They advertised that they carried a large and extensive assortment of guns. John was married to Margaret and of this union John II and George were born. These sons became third generation gunsmiths. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Born 1772.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Worked in the 1880’s. Born 1865. Son of J.S. Johnston.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Worked in the 1860’s. Born 1836. Lived with J.S. Johnston.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Abraham Johnson (1793-1866). There are several superb guns known marked, “A. Johnson,” including a box-lock, pill-lock gun. The U.S. Census of 1850 showed Abram Johnson in Nottingham Township, Harrison County, Ohio, age 57, born in Maryland, gunsmith, with real estate valued at $3000. The estate of Abiram Johnson was appraised on 25 June 1866 by James Ross and others {Inventory Book J. p13}. It showed: 1 Draw Knife & Auger, $1.25 1 Hand Saw & Square, .50 1 Anvil, $2 2 Carpenter’s Planes, .40 1 Force Drill & Bits, .50 2 Blacksmith’s Hammers, $1 1 Hand Vice & Compasses, $1 7 Large Chisels, .50 2 Iron Saws, 1 Screwdriver, 2 awls, .25 1 Hand Guide & Brace Bit, .10 2 Chisels,.37; 2 Augers, .50 1 Screwplate & 1 Wrench, $2 1 Blacksmith’s Vice, $5 1 Smoothing Plane, .10 pair Pincers, Chisel, Scribe Awl, .40 For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Baltimore The 1860 federal census listed two gunsmiths, George and Andrew Jacobs, ages 22 and 20, residing at 32 Union St., Baltimore. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Ish is listed in county records as being a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro as early as 1759. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1778 (Narr’s Record)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Benedict Imhoff (c. 1750-1800) was one of the earliest gunmakers of the Dauphin region. While the earliest record of his name places him in Heidelberg Twp., later documents put him in Middletown. All of this region was part of Lancaster Co. prior to the formation of Dauphin County in 1785.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Heidleberg Township, 1759 (Also Doctor)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Macungie Township, Lehigh County, 1821 Tax List-Easton
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Hunsicker was taxed as a gunsmith in the 1812 circa in Macungie Twp., Lehigh County. PA. His rifles often were signed “H H” on the barrel.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Shenandoah (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Manheim Township, 1848-1849
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Upper Leacock Township, 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1820-1827
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Howeter, gunsmith, Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, circa 1820-1827. Other family members worked as gun barrel forgers in Upper Leacock at a later date. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Upper Leacock Township, 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, East Earl Township, 1788
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1750 (Deed Book C)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1815-1832
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1819
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
J. Holeman, gunsmith, Lancaster boro, taxed 1814, 1816. (Kauffman, 1960)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Hoffman, Lykens Twp., Dauphin Co., PA, gunsmith, tax list 1828. (Kauffman)
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Saltillo, Clay Township. Worked into the 20th century (made mostly percussion guns). Born 1844 Died 1928
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Orbisonia, Cromwell Township. Worked in the 1760’s.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1811
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1814
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Mathias Hoak, Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, 1802-1814. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1800-1831
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith in Strasburg Pennsylvania.
School: Ohio
John Briggs Hixson 1822 -1899. He is listed as a gunsmith in Antrim, Guernsey County, Ohio circa 1850, and in the book “Longrifles of Ohio” listed in 1859. There is mention of a rifle by JB Hixson in Ohio Gunsmiths & Allied Tradesmen Vol. 1. He made fine full stock percussion longrifles with silver inlays and engraved his signature “JB Hixson” on the top of the barrel.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Joseph Hixson is listed as a gunsmith in South Huntington Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania 1816 – 1822.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Hildenbeitel was listed as a gunsmith from 1835-1850 in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., PA (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1835-1850
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
West Penn Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lynn Township, Northampton County, 1780-1801 Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lynn Township, Northampton County, 1780-1801, Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lynn Township, Northampton County, 1780, Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lynn Township, Northampton County, 1780 Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg/Lynn Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Heidelberg Township, Northampton County, 1780-1828 Tax List-Easton
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Hess, gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, 1794. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1794
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Henry, Sr. (1729-1786), an important Pennsylvanian and Revolutionary Patriot, was associated to both the Lancaster and Lehigh schools of gunsmithing. He served as armorer to George Washington and was one of the first men to build rifles in Lancaster. Henry entrusted his son William, Jr., to the capable hands of Andreas Albrecht and the master builders of Christian Springs. Another son, Abraham, later followed his brother to the Lehigh Valley. From here the Henry family established a multi-generational regional gunbuilding dynasty which culminated with the establishment of the factory at Jacobsburg/Boulton, PA, where today one can enjoy the Pennsylvania Museum of the Longrifle, the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the American Longrifle. This museum is located near the Belfast Exit, Rt. 33, north of Easton, PA. See website link.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Henry, Jr. (1757-1821)was apprenticed to Andreas Albrecht and trained at Christian Springs prior to setting up shop in Nazareth, PA, where he became a dominant influence on local gunbuinding. He was active here from 1790 to 1820 and was the father of William Henry III, and John Joseph Henry, both significant gunsmiths of the region. William Henry, Jr., built contract muskets for the Commonwealth of PA as well as civilian longrifles.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Henry, III, son of William Henry, Jr., was a gunsmith in the family firearms business at Jacobsburg and Boulton, near present day Nazareth, PA.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1780 (Later Nazareth)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759-1770
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1772
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
J. J. Henry (1786-1836), Son of William Henry, Jr., was a gunsmith in Nazareth and, with his father and brother William III, worked the boring mill at Jacobsburg and built the rifle factory at Boulton. The family was active in supplying militia arms, guns for the Indian trade, and a commercial line of firearms for nearly a century.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Salisbury Township, 1747
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
James Henry (1809-1904) was the son of J.J. Henry. He worked with his father at the Boulton gun factory and earned a fortune through the sale of Indian trade rifles, sporting guns and military-type muzzleloaders.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Granville Henry (1835-1912, son of James Henry, carried on the family gunmaking tradition for the fourth generation at the Boulton gun factory. This is ths site of the present-day Jacobsburg Plantation and Pennsylvania Museum of the Longrifle, near the Belfast Exit, Rt. 33, north of Easton, PA. The entire evolution of the Pennsylvania Longrifle, as well as the full contribution of the Henry family to American industry, can be traced at this site.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1797-1811
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Abraham Henry (1728-1811, son of William Henry, Sr., trained in Nazareth and then built guns in Lancaster. He was an important maker of government contract arms, one of a cartel of makers from Lancaster and York who supplied the military with arms, and a builder of fine flintlock longrifles.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Abraham Henry (1728-1811, brother of William Henry, Jr., worked first in Lancaster, then moved to Nazareth where he was taxed as a gunsmith as early as 1780.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
Philip Heckert was a barrelmaker and gunsmith in York, PA during and immediately after the Revolutionary period. From an 1806 handwritten account: “Fire, the bore mill, burnt in 1800, it was a little more than a mile from town, near the little bridge on the Baltimore turnpike, now, this mill was useful to our gunsmiths in York, there (sic) names, Philip Heckert, Conrad Welshans, Michael Edwards, Jacob Welshans, Jacob Letter, Joseph Welshans, Ignatius Leitner, Martin Frey, Jacob Doll, Henry Pickel, George Breneise, Frederick Zorelinger.” Some rifles exist signed “P. Heckert” in script on the top barrel facet. Other barrels, signed by other York builders, will have a “P. H.” stamped on the underside, thus establishing them as products of Heckert’s boring mill.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Samuel T. Hawken was born October 26, 1792, the fourth son of Christian Sr. and Juliann Hawken. Samuel volunteered in Captain George Shryock’s Hagerstown militia during the War of 1812 and fought at Bladensburg. On June 14, 1815, he announced tht he had commenced the business in the shop occupied by his father in Hagerstown. On September 19, 1815, he married Rosanna Oster in Hagerstown and the following year moved to Xenia, Ohio, where his wife died on April24, 1821. He returned to Hagerstown with his three small children and, leaving them with his mother in early 1822, went to St. Louis, Missouri, and worked with his brother Jacob. He remarried Martha Ritchey, of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and he died in St. Louis at the age of 91. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
John Hawken was born March 19, 1784, second son of Christian Hawken, while his parents were on the frontier in North Carolina for a short period of time. The October 4, 1809, local Hagerstown paper records “married last evening by Rev. Rotroff John Hawken to Miss Hannah Long, daughter of John Long of this county. “He was not listed in the equity case for the estate of his father in 1821, so apparently he was deceased. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown Jacob was born in 1785 or 1786, the third son of Christian Hawken Sr. He was employed at the National Armory at Harpers Ferry and after the War of 1812 he proceeded west and by 1818 was in St. Louis. With the death of his father in 1821 he returned to Hagerstown and married Catherine Allison in March of 1822. Returning to St. Louis he once again came home when he and a George Hawken disposed of the tract known as “Hit The Mark” on January 19, 1829. Jacob and his brother Samuel T. continued to make the famous half stock frontier guns in St. Louis. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Western Pa and Ohio
School: Maryland
Hagerstown There are two mwn by the name of George Hawken during this period in Washington County and at least one was a gunsmith. George of Christian Sr. was born July 16, 1782. George of Christian Sr. was born Febuary 19, 1781. Both are recorded in the 1810 Federal census as residing in Elizabeth Town. The gunsmith, no doubt, was the one recorded in the July 5, 1809, local news sheet which revealed “married Sunday evening last by Rev. Rotroff, George Hawken to Miss Margaret Kreps, daughter of George Kreps, of this town.” The December 13, 1809, Maryland Herald and Elizabeth-Town Advertiser noted, “George Hawken, gunsmith, has lately commenced business in shop next door to John Kausler, 3rd door below bank.” In 1821 a George Hawken was working at the armory at Harpers Ferry. The only indenture for a George Hawken in the Washington County Courthouse was recorded on January 19, 1829, for the sale of a tract known as “Hit The Mark” in Washington County. At this time Jacob Hawken and George Hawken of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, as joint owners, conveyed the land to Henry Butterbaugh, who was also of Franklin County. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Monroe (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Hawk, Long Valley, Monroe Co., PA, gunsmith, 1861. (Kauffman)
School: Monroe (Pennsylvania/PA)
Nicholas Hawk (1782-1844)worked in Gilbert, Monroe Co., PA from the early 19th century to the time of his death. A classic Hawk rifle is sleek and beautifully engraved. Monroe Co. is immediately north of the Lehigh/Northampton region, and some architectural influence of this school can be seen in his work.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Westmoreland and Fayette Counties
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Westmoreland County
School: Maryland
Baltimore James Haslett was born in 1773 in Ireland. Haslett was apprenticed int eh gunsmithing business in Europe to one of the most renowned lines of gunmakers. He came to America about 1798. His wife’s name was Mary and they settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They had three daughters and one son, who was his namesake. Haslett became superintendent in the arms factory of Robert McCormick. In 1803 he was working on his own in the City of Brotherly Love but came to Baltimore in June of that year. His superb work was highly favored throughout Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812 he was instrumental not making, but in purchasing, weapons for the state while serving as a major of the 11th Brigade, Maryland Militia. In later years he retired to his estate at Drum Point, Calvert County, where he died on August 15, 1833. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Weisenberg Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Weisenberg Township, Northampton County, 1800 Tax List-Easton
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
1780-1843
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Fayette County
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Harris, Yorktown, PA, Tax list 1799, gunsmith. (Kauffman)
School: Maryland
Baltimore James Harris was born in 1820 in Maryland. He is listed from 1852-1876 at two locations in the Baltimore City Directories. In his first ad he mentioned rifles made to order. He was succeeded in 1877 by Edward Melchoir. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Harris appears in county records as a gunsmith from 1777-1781, working in Paxton Twp. This area became part of Dauphin County in 1785.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Paxton Township, 1777-1781
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Emmitsburg Jacob Harner was listed in the 1820 U.S. Census in Frederick County. He bought John Armstrong’s gunsmith tools for $28 on October 21, 1822. He is listed in the transaction as being from Frederick County. On June 13, 1827, he bought several lots, and in October of that year he is shown in a land transaction as residing in Adams County, Pennsylvania. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Westmoreland County
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John N. Hampton, Jr., was taxed as a gunsmith in West Hanover Twp., Dauphin County, PA from the early 1830’s into the 1860’s. Dauphin County-style flint and percussion guns signed “I N H” can be attributed to him.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Blairs Mill, Tell Township. Approximate working dates: 1840-1901. Died 1910
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lampeter Towinship 1772-1793
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Isaac Haines was a grand master of the Lancaster school. He was taxed as a gunsmith in Lampeter Twp., Lancaster Co., from 1772 to 1792. As with all antiques from this period, genuine specimens are rare. Some of his guns present beautifully engraved 4-piece patchboxes and beautiful woodcarving featuring three Rococo C-scrolls.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1796-1850
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
The legendary Wolfgang Haga was a gunsmith working in Reading according to a land grant dated 1767. Further tax records show him still working in Reading in1779. No signed guns by Haga have been found, yet rifle design attributed to Haga set the standard for the Berks County style with later gunmakers copying his “Roman-nose” stock and basic patchbox design. Always made with strong grained substantial tiger maple, Haga’s rifles with simple raised carving are symbolic of the Berks County rugged style of rifle.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Also spelled Hage and Hagi. Listed as a gunsmith in the 1800 Cocalico Township tax list.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1803
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Haeffer, brother of Jacob, was taxed as a gunsmith in 1803 in Lancaster, PA.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1803-1822
School: Maryland
Frederick Jacob Haeffer was born in 1782 and was not known as a master gunsmith but as a journeyman. He can be found in the federal census of Frederick County in 1790. Within the next 10 years he was a freeman gunsmith in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. During the War of 1812 he returned to Frederick and can be found in the 1820 federal census. Jacob Haffer is shown on the roster of Capt. John Brengle’s Company of Frederick militia, which was raised in four hours in response to the invasion of Maryland. His will of June 15, 1827, is recorded in the Frederick County Courthouse. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. Jacob Heffner, 1 male under 10, 2 males 26-45, 1 female to 45. {1820 census; handwritten in the margin, “Died-last night in his forty fifth year of age Mr. Jacob Heffner of the county. Buried in the Lutheran graveyard of this city. {Diary of Jacob Engelbrecht, July 27, 1827} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Haeffer was one of the important early gunsmiths within the boro of Lancaster, active from the Revolutionary period through 1822. He built excellent flintlock longrifles; some exist today with 4-piece patcboxes with daisy finials, typifying the classic Lancaster form. He was one of the cartel of Lancaster and York makers who supplied contract arms to the government. He was the master of C. Siple.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1789-1797
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1789-1793
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1816
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1825-1849
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1800-1834
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1829-1849
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
A member of the third generation of the Gumpf family to build rifles within Lancaster Boro, Michael worked in the 1840’s. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Mathias Gumpf appears in county records from 1789-1793, Lancaster Boro. Worked as gunsmith
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Gumpf (d. 1843) is listed as a gunsmith in county records as early as 1814. He worked within the boro or Lancaster.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Gumpf, gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, appears in court records, 1814-1843.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith George Gumpf appears on county tax lists as working in Lancaster Boro, 1825-1849.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christopher Gumpf (b. 1761) worked as a gunsmith from 1791 through 1834 in Lancaster Boro. He built fine flintlocks in the classic Lancaster form, and also made contract rifles for the government in 1794.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Gumpf appears in county records as a gunsmith from 1800 through 1843. He built 1809 contract rifles and produced well-made flintlocks for the commercial trade.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Guest was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro in the first decade of the 19th century. In addition to classic longrifles he manufactured 1808 contract rifles for the government. His name appears on original sales manifests for these guns along with the other important makers of this period from Lancaster and York.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1811
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, West Earl Township, 1847
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1809
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1772-1802
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1785-1786
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Greaff has been documented to have been a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro, PA, in the 1780’s.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1773
School: Shenandoah (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Shenandoah (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Graff (Greif or Graeff) is listed as a gunsmith in the Reading Town census of 1767. He also worked in Lancaster County and apparently worked in both areas from 1750 until the turn of the century. He may be related to the gunsmith, John Graeff.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Also listed as John Groff and John Grave. Listed as a gunsmith in the 1770’s, made rifles for the government. Associated with Jacob Dickert and Peter Gunter. Gunsmith during and shortly after the Revolutionary War.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1773-1819
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born in 1751. Possibly related through marrage to gunsmith Wolfgang Haga. Died 1818
School: Maryland
Hagerstown Maryland. See “Maryland Longrifles” by Hartzler
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith in Columbia Pennsylvania in 1810. Possibly a brother of Peter Gonter.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Columbia, Pa., 1800
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, East Earl Township, 1788
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
David Glassbrenner (1798-1872) worked as a gunsmith from 1828 through the mid-1850’s in Dauphin County, PA. It is believed that most of his time was spent in Harrisburg and contiguous townships.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Western PA and Ohio
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1785-1801
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1801-1808
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Daniel Gillman, gunsmith, 1779-1812, Donegal Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1779-1812
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
James D. Gill worked with Jacob Dickert who was his father-in-law. He appears in tax records from 1783-1819, listed as a gunsmith. Extant flintlocks can be found signed “Dickert & Gill.”
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1738-1819
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Benjamin D. Gill (1790-1860) was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1843 through 1850, though it is likely that he was active in the trade prior to 1843. Most of his products were percussion rifles.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Gibbs, Sr. (d.1843) was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1812 to the time of his death. He built numerous flintlock and percussion guns.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Gibbs, Jr. (1820-1880) worked with his father in the gunmaking business in Lancaster Boro. He is noted for building percussion firearms of varying quality, some fancy and others purely production guns.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1833-1842
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Gibbs, single freeman gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, tax lists 1834, 1840. (Kauffman)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1821
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1811-1830
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Abraham Gibbs worked as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro, circa 1850.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1849
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Getz was taxed as a gunsmith in the first third of the 19th century, working in Lancaster Boro.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1779-1833
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1810
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greenwich Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greenwich Township
School: Maryland
Hagerstown He and his wife are listed in the 1790 federal census of Washington County with no children. In 1802 Thomas Shuman brought suit against Nicholas Hawken, Jacob Nichol and John George. From this legal action it can be assumed these three gunsmiths were associated in business. A letter was left at the Elizabeth Town Post Office for him in 1803 and 1804. A John George Jr. married Elizabeth Schlenker of Hagerstown in 1823. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry George (Yorg) is shown as a gunsmith in an 1804 deed transfer to his son, Jacob “a gunsmith”. Both father and son worked in Greenwich Township. Jacob worked until the 1830s and many samples of his work have been found. His rifles are often confused with Stofil Long’s work and it is likely these two makers had a close working relationship.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Maxatawney Township
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Weisenberg Township, Northampton County, 1800 Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Weisenberg Township
School: Monroe (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Geirsh, gunsmith, Bushkill Center, PA, 1861. Builder of percussion firearms.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Union Township. Approximate working dates: 1817-1843. Born 1789 Died 1854.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Todd Township. Born 1806. Father of Jacob and James.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hopewell Township. Approximate working dates: 1860-1870.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Todd Township. Approximate working dates: 1850-1860. Born 1832 Died 1914.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Smithfield, Smithfield Township. Approximate working dates: 1880-1910. Born 1832 Died 1914.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Approximate working dates: 1870-1880.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Orbisonia, Cromwell Township. Approximate working dates: 1856-1900. Born 1836 Died 1908.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
1850’s
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lancaster and Washington County PA
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in the 1850’s
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, East Cocalico Township, 1850
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born 1826
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Foulkes (1737-1812) appears in county records as an early gunsmith working within the city of Lancaster (c. 1759) and later surfaces in Paxton Twp., (now Dauphin Co.) as a gunsmith working near the present-day Fort Hunter, north of Harrisburg on the Susquehanna River. It is likely that he took over the shop of James Chambers at this site. There are no known specimens of Foulkes’ work in existence. See Heckert and Vaughn, The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle, Science Press, 1992
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1836
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Lancaster in the early 19th century. Murdered by a religious fanatic in 1846. Remembered today as a grand master of the late golden age, Fordney’s work often is seen with deep, bold engraving and beautiful woodcarving which is accomplished by a blend of incised and relief methods.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1847
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1834-1849
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Armstrong and Allegheny County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Fordney worked in Lancaster Boro, circa 1840.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmtih, Lancaster Boro., 1833-1838
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
C. Fordney worked in Lancaster Boro in the mid-19th century. Many of his rifles were percussion ignition guns
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1828-1830
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Ford was taxed as a gunsmith in Harrisburg, PA from 1833 through 1852. He served also as the superintendent of the state armory in Harrisburg. He was a capable builder of both flintlock and percussion longrifles. He died in 1862.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
V. Fondersmith, gunsmith, Strasburg Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. Documented in county records, 1779-1803.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779-1824
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1803
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Approximate working dates: 1826-1831. Born 1803.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born 1778
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Approximate working dates: 1820-1828.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1779-1803
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Reported to have worked in the village of Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and appears on county records as working within Strasburg Twp., 1779-1803.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Fondersmith was taxed in 1811 as a gunsmith, working in Martic Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Martic Township, 1811
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1803-1826
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown The Maryland Herald & Hagers-Town Weekly Advertiser of Jan. 17, 1806, had a list of letters remaining in the Post Office in Hagers-Town. “George Fischach, George Flegel, care of George Kreps, Gunsmith.” Flegel was apparently in employment of Kreps in the gunsmith line as an apprentice or journeyman. In 1814 Flegel was armorer of the U.S. Arsenal in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in 1819 Flegel was a Master Armorer there. During the period from 1820 to 1830 he was a gunsmith in private practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegany County 1807-1882
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Shirley Township. Approximate working dates: 1850-1882. Born 1805 Died 1882.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Mount Union, Shirley Township. Approximate working dates 1840-1880. Born 1799 Died 1880
School: Maryland
The federal census of 1860 for Randolph County, (West) Virginia, census listed Nelson Fitzwater as having been born in Maryland in 1816, working as a gunsmith. His wife Sarah, aged 34, and their children were born in Virginia. They were residing in the house of a shoemaker named John DeWitt. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Frederick “I humbly beg the favour of you, to send me a Certificate to Exempt me and my People of the Militia Duty, by the Bearer M. Abraham – For which there Names is Jacob Reaser, Thomas Lawrence, Jacob Dunkle, Henry Fisher, Woodward Evitt, my Prentice is out now to Guard the Prisoners & my Captn. told me I should soon to on the Powder Guard, but if you will send me a Certificate, since I am in Contract with you, I shall be Exempt, when there is any Work to do for the Publick I always do it, and am willing to Oblige the Publick as much, in the Gun Way as I am able, which I think is more service to the Publick, as if I was to go with the Militia. I Petitioned to the Assembly to be Armorer for the County, which would be more Benefit to the Publick as Cast, I was informed by the Lieut. of the County that there was several Barrels in the Magazine which has no stocks, locks nor Mountain, so if you send me you Order to get them I shall add them to the November, as I have to make, and if you have the Power to get an Armorer I should be glad to serve. Sir I am your…Sevt. at…–Jacob Reaser.” {Maryland State Revolutionary War Papers, December 1778, Hall of Records, Annapolis} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Cumberland Amos Fisher advertised in the 1880s as a gun and locksmith at 36 Polk Street, Cumberland. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Womelsdorf, Reading and Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Andrew [Andreas] Fichthorn [Figthorn] Jr. [B 1779 – D 1822] was the son of Andrew Fichthorn Sr., a Rev War veteran, Reading land owner/speculator, Reading banker and Bond holder and some believe a gunsmith at various times in his life.
Andrew Fichthorn Jr., however, was a full time Master Gunsmith in Reading, Pa. from 1803 until his death in 1822. He positively spent time in the Bonewitz/Reedy Womelsdorf shop as an apprentice or journeyman until 1802 or 1803 when tax records indicated he returned to Reading, Pa. and set up his own gunsmith business. He signed his work A+F near the breech on the third flat opposite the lock.
Careful examination of his early guns show he spent equal amounts of time with Bonewitz and Reedy while in the Womelsdorf shop. The majority of his later work does not carry the same sophistication of his experience and training in Womelsdorf or his early years in Reading.
He died, after a short illness, and is buried in the family cemetery plot in Reading, Pa.
Further Reference material:
– The ‘Andrew Fichthorn Family, Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania’ KRA Vol. 28 , No 1., 2001
– Selected Articles form the KRA Bulletin, Published by the Kentucky Rifle Foundation 2005.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Fetter, Jr., worked as a gunsmith in the family shop in Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, circa 1840-1850.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George Fetter is perhaps the best known of a family of related gunsmiths from Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. He was taxed as a gunsmith from 1831-1848. His sons George Jr., and Henry carried on the family business.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Fetter was listed as a gunsmith in Elizabeth Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, 1837-1850.(Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1837-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1847-1848
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Son of Jacob
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Joel Ferree was listed as a gunsmith in Leacock Twp., from 1758-1775. A French Huguenot family, the Ferrees were early settlers in Lancaster Co.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Lancaster as well as western PA
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1782
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Listed as a gunsmith in Strasburg Township, Lancaster County in 1783
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Son of Jacob, died 1821
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1758-1775
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1796
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1820-1822
School: Maryland
Baltimore Peter A. Favier advertised at three different locations in Baltimore from 1837 until 1853. In 1852 he stated he was a gun, rifle and pistol maker, having constantly on hand a large and general assortment of doubles and single barrelled bird and ducking guns, rifle and pistols made to order. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Joseph H. Faust was a gunsmith in Alsace Township just above Reading working from about 1840 until 1888. He was apprenticed to John Derr and was one of the last to make flintlock long rifles in Eastern Pennsylvania.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
George F. Fainot was one of Lancaster city’s early gunmakers, appearing on county records from 1779-1803. A first-generation French Huguenot, Fainot’s work is noted for its distinct style while remaining within the general paremeters of the general regional architecture.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Weisenberg Township
School: Maryland
Middleburg “Frederick County, TO WIT. The State of Maryland, to the Sheriff of Frederick County, GREETING. We command you that you take Charles Everett, gunsmith, if he shall be found in you Bailiwick, and him safe keep so that you have his body before the Justices of our next County Court, to be held at the Court-House, in Frederick-Town, in and for the said County, on March 14, 1812, to satisfy unto Captain Shaffer as well the sum of fifteen dollars current money…promise to pay or cause to be paid unto the foresaid Shaffer the sum of $15 for breeding a bright bay mare colt. Joshua Delaplane of Double Pipe Creek celebrated eight year old mahogany bay horse named Telegraph. He sold the mare with fold and is liable to pay. {Frederick County Sheriff’s Warrant} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greene County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Eshelman was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1843-1850.
School: Maryland
Frederick County Maryland. See “Maryland Longrifles” by Hartzler
School: Maryland
Frederick County Jacob Ernst may have been a relative of the gunsmith Adam Ernst. A Jacob Ernst married Mary Smith on June 21, 1758. Jacob the gunsmith was a resident of Frederick County and is included in the 1790 federal census. In July of 1803 a letter was awaiting him at the Frederick-town Post Office, however he was living in Adams County, Pennsylvania. He returned from Berwick Township and was listed as a resident of Frederick County on October 11, 1811, when he purchased the tract of land called Peter’s Promise. By 1820 he was living in Franklin Township, York County, Pennsylvania. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Baltimore The 1860 federal census for Baltimore listed Samuel Engels as a gunsmith, aged 37, residing at 13 Townsend St., Baltimore For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born 1741 died 1810
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843-1844
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in York County as well as Western PA
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Eby, gunsmith, Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., 1801. (Dyke)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Eby is documented in the archives of Sam Dyke as a gunsmith working in Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., as early as 1768.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Abram Eby, gunsmith, Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co., 1781. (Dyke)
School: Maryland
Frederick The 1860 federal census showed Samuel Ebert as a gunsmith working in Frederick, aged 27. He was a son of Henry and Polly Tice Ebert, who were married in November of 1822 and both were from Frederick. He may have been related to and the mentor of Benjamin Ebert. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Frederick Benjamin and his son John were general gunsmiths prior to the Civil War and were located on the south side of Patrick Street west of Bentz Street in Frederick. By the 1880s they were advertising as Benjamin Ebert & Son at 67 West Patrick Street. In 1895 they were advertising hardware and changes. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Eberman appears in county records from the year 1810 through 1850. He worked as a gunsmith within Lancaster Boro.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1810
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Amos Early (c. 1840-1904)was taxed as a gunsmith from the late 1850’s to the time of his death in West Hanover Twp., Dauphin Co., PA. There was some relationship with the Shell family, as there are extant percussion fullstocks signed “Shell and Early.”
School: Maryland
Baltimore Lewis Ealer was born in 1791 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was in business for himself as a master lock and gunsmith in the Fell’s Point section of Baltimore in 1822. In 1827 he moved to Oldtown. He returned to Philadelphia in 1837 where he continued to follow the trade. In 1857 he went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was in partnership with his son. Franklin A., who was born in Maryland in 1832. Lewis was again in Philadelphia in 1865. He was married to Susanna and had 5 children. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Sharpsburg Hundred At the request of Andrew Eavey, the following deed was recorded on the 25th day of June, 1770. “Towits, this indenture made the 20th day of June in the year of our Lord 1770, between Jacob French of the County of Frederick and the Province of Maryland of the one part, to Andrew Eavey of the County and Province aforesaid, of the other part… In consideration of the sum 150 pounds current money…part of a tract of land called Huckleberry Hill situated and being in the county and Province aforesaid on a draft of Antietam called Dicktons.” {Frederick County Courthouse, Liber N, Folil 207-207} Patriotic people from this area were some of the first to demonstrate on a county-wide basis for independence. On January 4, 1775, Andrew Eaby represented the Conoccocheague Hundred at a meeting held in Fredericktown concerning the formation and arming of militia. Andrew may have been related to an armorer from the French and Indian Wars named Thomas Eaby. That man was active from Fort Cumberland, west to Fort Ligonier and Fort Pitt. On 22 May 1780 Thomas Eaby “produced a discharge signed by Adam Stephen, Colonel of the First Virginia Regiment, for the Service of Thomas Eaby as an artificer for the time of his enlistment in the late War between Great Britain and France.” {Yohogania County, Virginia Court Records, p.410}. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Lancaster Boro., 1847-1850
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Worked 1808-1832.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Dreppert (Dreppard) worked as a gunsmith and gun lock maker in Lancaster and appears on tax records from 1837-1864. Many guns built by other men carry the name Dreppert on the lock.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1849
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Andred Dreppert (Dreppard) was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro from 1843-1850.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Approx. working dates: 1833-1842. Born 1815. Apprentice to N. Shenefelt.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Juniata Township. Died 1841
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Approx. working dates: 1850-1880. Born 1819 Died 1880.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Huntingdon, Oneida Township. Working dates: 1830-1833.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township. Worked in the 1840’s.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Frankstown Township. Approximate working dates: 1850-1867. Born 1823.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1803
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown Ernst Dietz was active in the German Reformed Church where the only language used was German. On March 15, 1786, an indenture in the land records between Jonathan Hager Jr., son and heir at law of the estate of his father, sold to Ernst Dietz of Elizabeth Town of Washington County aforesaid gunsmith lot No. 358. This was signed and sealed by another gunsmith, Alexander Clagett. On April 2, 1789, Dietz sold this house and lot to John Sleigh and the same day, what was probably his shop on lot No. 90, to William Kreps. The April 19 Maryland Herald and Hagerstown Advertiser stated that William Kreps has removed his shop and place of abode to the house formerly occupied by Rust Dietz, gunsmith. In the fall of 1799 a letter awaited him at the Hagerstown Post Office which means that he was probably no longer a resident. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Diemer, taxed as gunsmith, 1807-1835, Moore Twp., Northampton Co., PA (Dyke)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegany County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born in Germany in 1740. Came to Pennsylvania in 1748 and settled in Lancaster County in 1756. Made rifles during the Revolutionary War and contracted rifles for the State of Pennsylvania. Jacob Dickert died in 1822. According to author and rifle scholar Henry J. Kauffman, Dickert must be considered one of the most influential Lancaster gunsmiths, based not only upon his personal production but also due to his influence upon apprentices and peers in the Lancaster school.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1821
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Derringer, Jr., was taxed as a gunsmith between 1794-1798 in Easton, Northampton Co., PA
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
John (and on some records – Johannes) Derr is one of Berks County’s most prolific gun makers. He made rifles, smooth bore guns and pistols of a wide variety of styles, including swivel rifles from 1800 until 1850. Guns from Derr are almost always signed, either with a stamp, “John Derr” or in script, “John Derr, Oley Valley” on the top facet of the barrel. He was trained by Henry Mauger and his standard patch box design is similar to Maugers. He often used barrels made by the Wyomissing Creek barrel makers in Cumru Township.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Weisenberg Township
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Derr was taxed as a gunsmith in 1805 in the Oley Valley. His rifles signed with a C.D. are usually found as unadorned rifles with simple patchbox designs and some utilize painted stocks to imitate tiger striping. This gunmaker is most likely the same gunmaker who later worked in Union County.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Alexander Denning is listed as a gunsmith in 1807 in Harrisburg, PA. Denning learned the trade from Christian Klein.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Joseph DeMuth was taxed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro, 1800-1813.
School: Maryland
Graceham John DeMuth is listed as contributing 54 rifles to General Hand’s contract at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for Continental rifles in 1794. On February 16, 1796, apprenticeship records show DeMuth was living in Frederick County, training Henry Koch. The Moravian Church Records reveal Johann Demuth was married to Catharina and a daughter, Sophia Theresia, was baptized on August 27, 1797. During this period there were four Demuth families in the Moravian Settlement at Graceham. By 1828 he was in Bushkill Center, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1790
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christopher DeMuth is listed as a gunsmith in county records from 1790-1804, working in Lancaster, PA.
School: Maryland
Swanton The village of Swanton is located in present day Garrett County, just south and slightly east of Deep Creek Lake. He was in the immediate area where Abel Browning worked. He was the grantee of land which bordered the town which he purchased on April 17, 1912, from Prudence Friend. This appears to be a parcel of land that had belonged to Benjamin H. Deming. He was the grantor of 1 acre to Burdette E. Lawrence on May 12, 1921. Probably due to non-payment, he was the grantee of this same acre on May 8, 1922. He was the grantor of the first purchase to Andrew and Doris Friend in July 20, 1929. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in western Pennsylvania as well as Lancaster County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancster Boro, appears in county records, 1803-1819.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1771-1807
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter DeHaven appears on county records, listed as a gunsmith working within the boro of Lancaster as early as 1768. DeHaven was also instrumental as a gunpowder maker during the American Revolution, managing a clandestine powder mill near present-day Hummelstown on the Swatara Creek.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Morris Township. Working dates: 1795-1805
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1776
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Fayette County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Cocalico Township, 1830
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
1791-1868
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in the Borough of Beaver Creek. Born 1838 Died 1924.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Worked in Taneytown Maryland. See “Maryland Longrifles” by Hartzler.
School: Maryland
Taneytown Daniel Creamer learned the gunsmith trade from his brother Philip and in the summer of 1805 he and Philip went west. In 1809 he is shown in the day book of the Cahokia, Illinois, store of Bryan & Morrison as purchasing articles on his brother’s account. In 1816 Daniel and his brother, Casper Jr., sought local employment. Daniel was one of 23 men employed at the Harpers Ferry Armory who stocked weapons. He was paid over $40 per month in 1816. He apparently resided near the Potomac River in Washington County according to the 1820 Federal census. In that same year, he moved to the town of Harpers Ferry, (West) Virginia. Through the years he was recorded as having turned stocks, patterned guns, and stocked, banded and butted guns. By 1835 he was still employed in the stocking department. His son, Robert Creamer, was recorded as being a barrel forger. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Maryland
Frederick Thomas Crabb was born after 1750, according to the Federal Census Records, and was first recorded in Frederick County in 1795. He was the fifth contractor to sign an agreement to produce Charleville pattern muskets, along with Nicholas White, Jacob Metzger and Christopher Barnhizle. Razin Self was apprenticed to Crabb on January 31, 1803, to learn the blacksmith trade. In the January 11, 1805, Bartgis’s Republican Gazette Newspaper he advertised a reward for the return of Self who was a run away apprentice. In the late spring of 1807 he contracted with the Office of Indian Trade to make rifles, but by March of the following year he had departed from Frederick. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Miller Township. Died in 1846.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Beaver County
George Correll is documented as a gunsmith working out of Kunkletown, Monroe Co., PA, in 1861. Maker of percussion guns.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Donegal Township, 1801
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunlock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith-Forger, Cocalico Township, 1834-1835
School: Maryland
Hagerstown In April of 1841 William Cookman and Joseph W. Keller took over the manufacture of guns, rifles and pistols at the old stand occupied by William Hawken on Jonathan Street between Washington and Franklin. For further reference, see Arms Makess of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Brecknock Township, 1838-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Westmoreland County
School: Maryland
Grantsville This Compton family came from France and settled in New Jersey near New Brunswick. His father Robert and mother Lydia Brown Crompton, settled in Berlin in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1813. Phineas was born in 1804 and was a tinnier and gunsmith. He married Adeling Glotfelty and lived in Elk Lick Township. They had a son Samuel who was born in 1827. At the age of 13, Samuel entered his father’s shop and learned the trades of gunsmith and tinnier. Phineas purchased 900 acres across the Mason-Dixon Line where his father had moved. Samuel later became a partner with his father but did not move to the Maryland farm but kept his residence in Salisbury, Pennsylvania. Phineas died in 1858. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Hagerstown Alexander Compton was the son of John Compton who, in 1797, was residing at the Mouth of the Monocacy. John advertised a reward for an insolvent debtor discharged by the Washington County Sheriff in September of 1810. On March 24, 1794, Alexander was bound to John Gonter to learn the art and mystery of the gunsmith business. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Samuel Coldren is listed as a gunsmith in county records from 1838-1850 working in Brecknock Twp., Lancaster Co., PA.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
1751-1835
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Little Britain Township, 1816
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lynn Township, Northampton County, Gunsmith 1795-1807, Tax List-Easton
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
1820-1911
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
William Clewells, gunsmith, 1814-1835, Bushkill Twp., Northampton Co., PA. (Dyke)
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Philip Clewells, gunsmith, Easton tax records 1820-1835, Bushkill Twp., Northampton Co., PA (Dyke)
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Clewells, gunsmith, 1799-1802 tax lists, Hanover Twp., Northampton Co., PA (Dyke)
School: Augusta/Staunton (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Clause was taxed as a gunsmith working in Heidelberg Twp., Lehigh Co., in 1821. (Kauffman)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hiedelberg/Albany Township
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Cocalico Township, 1805
School: Maryland
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Todd Township. Working dates: 1870-1887. Born 1850 Died 1887. Apprentice of James Stapleton.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Beaver County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Franklin and Washington Counties
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
James Chambers (1738-1762)appears in county records as early as 1750-1751. He moved north to the banks of the Susquehanna River near present-day Harrisburg (Dauphin Co.)and set up a gunshop on the site of Fort Hunter. During the French and Indian War and Pontiac’s Rebellion, this site was used as a fort, refuge and depot, especially for goods and materiel being transported from Lancaster to Fort Augusta (present-day Shamokin). Chambers was killed by Indians in 1762.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greene County Pennsylvania
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
James Campbell (1805-1856) was taxed as a gunsmith in Middletown, PA, from 1831 to the mid-1840’s. Campbell was one of several gunsmiths to work in or near this boro, the oldest in Dauphin County, strategically located mid-way between Lancaster and Carlisle on the original Pennsylvania turnpike road. Architecturally, Middletown rifles often reflect a modified, yet distinct association to those produced in nearby Lancaster.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Uniontown, Fayette County Pennsylvania
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born in Ireland
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lawrence County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Salisbury Township, 1801
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Fort Pitt
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1749
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
1743-1791
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greene County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in the Borough of McConnellstown in Walker Township. Born 1850 Died 1928. Was an apprentice of J.S. Johnson.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Samuel Buchanan was taxed as a gunsmith in 1814, working out of Halifax, Dauphin Co., PA. (Kauffman)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
James Bryan was taxed as a gunsmith in Lampeter Twp., Lancaster County, PA, circa 1800.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1801
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Earl Township, 1802-1803
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Enterprise Gun Works
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg and Washington County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1863
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1800-1816
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Brooks, Jr., was taxed as a gunsmith from 1802 through 1817 in Harrisburg, the county seat of Dauphin County, PA. He built classic longrifles with Lancaster school overtones, consistent with the fact that he built guns in Lancaster city prior to moving to Harrisburg.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Associated with gunsmith Abraham Henry about 1800. Listed in Harrisburg and Lancaster.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Brong was a Lancaster County gunsmith who worked during the late 18th and early 19th century. He died in 1817.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1788-1816
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Cumberland Township, Greene County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1863
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Earl Township, 1828
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Martic Township, 1814-1816
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
C. Breitenherd was an early Lancaster maker, documented as such from the late 1750’s through 1773. He emigrated from Wertheim (Germany)in 1753 where he learned the trade of gunsmithing. He built guns for the Committee of Safety and concurrently ran a tavern in Lancaster City. See Heckert and Vaughn, The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle, 1992.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1759-1770
School: Maryland
Funkstown The Washington County Court Minutes of April 1801 shows him as a native of Germany, gunsmith by trade, residing in Funkstown and naturalized in 1799. On April 9, 1799, William Steel, an orphan of Washington County, was bound to John Brent for 3 years to learn gunbarrel making. On September 3, 1798, he purchased from Daniel Kline lot No. 163 in Jerusalem Town, which was later changed to Funkstown. The April 1801 term of the Washington County Court reveals Brant and Christian Hawken had legal actions against one another. Again, in the February 1802 court term there was more litigation between the two. No doubt these actions were over compensation for rifle barrels. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Worked in Funkstown Maryland. See “Maryland Longrifles” by Hartzler.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
1811-1872
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1834-1837
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1807
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Willaim Boyd, Harrisburg, Dauphin Co, gunsmith, 1811. Boyd family was early to region, holders of Penn land grant.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Son of James. Pittsburg
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, Allegheny County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Bowers, gunsmith, Jonestown, Lebanon Co., PA., taxed in 1860 circa. Builder of percussion rifles and pistols.
School: Maryland
Frederick October 8, 1776–Boone to Council of Safety, delivery of gun locks. {Maryland State Revolutionay War Papers, Hall of Records, Annapolis} For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Berks Womelsdorf (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Bonewitz [B 1758 – D 1828] worked as Master Gunsmith in Womelsdorf, Pa. from approx. 1778 until 1809. Moved to Pine Grove, Pa. in 1809 and continued the trade there until his death.
Bonewitz first appears in the Womelsdorf tax records in 1780 as a single freeman. In 1781 he appears in York, Pa for a short period of time and then again in Womelsdorf estate records in 1783 and as a tax payer from 1784 thru 1809.
Largely credited with training Leonard Reedy while in Womelsdorf who remained with Bonewitz in the Womelsdorf shop after his apprenticeship and moved with him to Pine Grove in 1809.
Bonewitz and Reedy also are credited with training Andrew Fichthorn Jr. in the mysteries and art of gun making up until 1802-1803 when Fichthorn Jr. returned to Reading, Pa. and established his own shop. [See Andrew Fichthorn Jr.]
Further information available:
– John Bonewitz, Womelsdorf, Pa., by Henry Bishop
– KRA Bulletin: Vol. 29 No. 2 Winter 2002
– Selected KRA Bulletin Articles-KRA 2005 Published by Kentucky Rifle Foundation
– High Resolution Photos of Bonewitz’ Work – Kentucky Rifle Photographs 2005 Volume I, Issue I
School: Maryland
Funkstown Dr. Christian Boerstler in 1784 left Bavaria because of German tyranny and disembarked in Baltimore with only a single shilling in his possession. In September of that year he and his wife and six children settled in Jerusalem Town. The name was later changed to Funkstown. One of his sons, Daniel was a gunsmith who advertised in 1808 “Rifle, gun and cannon powder” at the bend of the waters of the Antietam on the National Pike at Funkstown. By 1812 the business was known as Boerstler and Son and in 1816 Jerusalem Manufacturing Company. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Washington County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Westmoreland County
School: Maryland
Emmitsburg Blackburn was born October 17, 1786, and was a son of Alexander Blackburn, He was apprenticed to John Armstrong to learn the gunsmith trade on April 15, 1804, for a term of three years. During the War of 1812 Blackburn was in Hagerstown and served as a private of infantry in a company known as the Hagerstown Militia. Captain George Shrycok led this company, which was part of the 24th Maryland Regiment, to Bladensburg where they found on August 24, 1814. In this same company was Samuel Hawken. Blackburn was one of 11 soldiers from Washington County who deserted in the fall of 1814. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Union Township.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Fayette County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Westmoreland County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1771
Amos S. Bisbing was taxed in Tannersville, Monroe Co., PA. in 1861. Well made double rifles are extant that bear his name.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lynn Township
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Bullskin Township, Fayette County. Tax lists 1816, 1823.
1791-1871
Source:
Kauffman, Henry. The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle. New York City, NY : Bonanza Books, 1960. Print.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Franklin County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Michael Bez was an early gunsmith in Lancaster City and appears on county records in the years 1758-1759.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1807-1810
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Nicholas Beyer (c.1780-1850)is regarded today as one of the grand masters of the late golden age of flintlock riflebuilding. Beyer was most likely an apprentice of J. P Beck of Lebanon, PA. Beyer worked near Annville at the dawn of the 19th century and produced many fine guns. His patchboxes often feature a bird finial and his general style suggests strong “Pennsylvania Dutch” folk influence. Beyer rifles are in some of today’s best collections, and specimens can be found with either full-octagon or octagon-to-round barrel configurations. Many of his barrels are inscribed boldly on the top facet “N. Beyer.” Along with J. P. Beck, Beyer occasionally marked INRI or DEO on the underside of his barrels. He was a masterful woodcarver and capable engraver. The federal census of 1850 lists a Nicholas Boyer, age 70, among those dwelling at the almshouse in South Lebanon Township. As no death or burial records have been found for Beyer, it is probable that the old master was buried in Potter’s Field.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1800
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Andrew Berryhill was taxed as a gunsmith in Harrisburg, Dauphin Co, circa 1805-1810.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Anneville – Now Dauphin, 1800-1807
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Anneville – Now Dauphin, 1772-1790
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Berry (d. 1796) is regarded as a grand master of the Dauphin/Lebanon region. He was taxed as a gunsmith in Heidelberg Twp., Dauphin County from 1786-1796. His distinct rifles reflect excellent crafstmanship and engraving, and genuine specimens are rare and especially desirable. Berry and his contemporaries in the trade reveal the complexity of discussing what we call the Dauphin/Lebanon school. These men worked in Dauphin County prior to the formation of Lebanon County in 1813. After 1813, tradesmen near present day Annville paid taxes to the newly-formed county of Lebanon.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Berlin appears to have started and ended his trade within this region, appearing on Easton tax records as a gunsmith from 1775-1795 and again in 1835. In between he surfaces both in York County and farther west in Crawford County. (Dyke)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, 1860’s
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Philip Bender appears in county records as a gunsmith working in the town of Manheim, Lancaster Co., PA, from 1786 through 1793.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Manheim, 1786-1793
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Bender (b. 1782) appears on county records from 1809-1816 as a gunsmith working in the city of Lancaster, PA. In 1809 he was one of a group of gunsmiths, including Jacob Dickert and John Gonter, who sent a letter to the government requesting payment for an overdue account related to guns that the men had built for the army.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1813-1816
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Bellis (1799-1885)was a prolific maker of flintlock longrifles from the 1820’s through the 1860’s. He worked in Lykens in northern Dauphin County. In 1855, a Peter Bellis, Jr., also was assessed as a gunsmith in nearby Wiconisco.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1770-1773
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Also spelled Bear. Armstrong County and Westmoreland County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born 1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1785
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John P. Beck (1751-1811) was one of the superior builders of Pennsylvania longrifles. He was taxed in Lebanon, PA from 1772 until the time of his death. He built fine longrifles as well as Committee of Safety arms for the war effort. He was instrumental in establishing the regional style, and his rifles are often embellished with bold rococo scrollwork and beautiful engraving. Occasionally the underside of a Beck barrel will carry the inscription “INRI” or “DEO.” Due to stylistic and architectural congruence, it is believed that Beck was the master of Nicholas Beyer, another master builder from the Dauphin/Lebanon region. Note: Until 1785, this region was part of Lancaster County. In this year it became part of Dauphin County and in 1813 the area became part of Lebanon County. Essentially, when Beck was a gunsmith he was paying taxes to Dauphin County.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Beck, brother of J. P. Beck, worked as a gunsmith in the early 1800’s in Lebanon, PA. It appears that he was itinerant for part of his life, travelling westward, as did many gunsmiths at the time. Note: It is possible that there was a father and son who were both gunsmiths, and the matter is further complicated in that there were C. Becks making guns as far west as St. Louis in the following generation. None of this mitigates the fact that some well-made flintlocks signed “C. Beck” adorn some of the finest collections.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Buffalo Township. Washington County
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1809-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Warwick Township, 1840-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Bear appears on county records as a gunsmith in Warwick Twp., Lancaster Co., from 1840-1850.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1825-1834
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1808-1841
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1825-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Uniontown, Fayette County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, Allegheny County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, Allegheny County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny County 1840’s
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Manheim Township, 1829
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lampeter Township, 1777
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Samuel Barber was taxed as a gunsmith in Caernovon Twp., Lancaster Co., PA, from 1807-1813.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born in 1833
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Researcher Sam Dyke traced the evolution of the Baker family of gunsmiths within the county. While no guns made by these men are known to exist, these men are important for they are, very likely, the first gunsmiths to settle within the Lancaster region. In 1717, Robert Baker (d. 1728) and his brother Samuel purchased land near the confluence of the Pequea Creek and Susquehanna River. Soon thereafter, Robert bought out his brother’s share. In 1719, Robert and his son Caleb petitioned Jacob Taylor, the Penns’ Provincial Secretary, to build a shop and mill for “boaring” gun barrels. Permission was granted and work began soon thereafter. Caleb took over the shop when his father died and ran it until 1741.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township Fayette County 1781-1805
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lancaster Boro., 1754
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Joshua Baker (d.1753), son of John Baker, worked in Lancaster Boro as a gunsmith, most likely in his father’s shop. Baker’s will is recorded in the court house records and he is referred to as a gunsmith in this document. Earlier courthouse records list him as a ‘gunbarrelsmith.”
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Noted gunsmith researcher Sam Dyke located the name of John Baker, gunsmith, in county records spanning the period 1728-1750. Baker worked within the town of Lancaster. This establishes that Baker was in the first wave of early builders to begin the gunbuilding industry within the town.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Died in 1820. George Township and German Township, Fayette County.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Deed Book B. “Mayhill” Lampeter Twp.,1741
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Frankstown Township between 1833 and 1837. Born 1808 Died 1887
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Leacock Township, 1802
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lancaster Boro., 1843-1844
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Somerset Township, Washington County 1791-1818. Worked as a blacksmith and gunsmith.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Georges Township,Fayette County 1802-1804.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Nottingham Township, Washington County 1833-1836.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Breech-loading rifle maker. Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, West Virginia 1818. Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 1819-26.
School: Maryland
Emmitsburg William Armstrong was a son of the well-known gun and whitesmith John Armstrong. A Frederick County history states that William Armstrong was an inspector of arms at Harpers Ferry for many years. In 1822 he was a master armorer at the Marine Barracks in the Washington Naval Yard. A William Armstrong is listed in Buckeystown, District 1 of Frederick County, in 1833. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryand. For additional information see, Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker
School: Maryland
Son of John Armstrong. See “Maryland Longrifles” by Hartzler
School: Maryland
Son of gunsmith John Armstrong, at least one gun known by him. See Maryland Longrifles by Hartzler
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
A. Gumpf, gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, worked circa 1829-1849.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun barrel and ax maker. Worked in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 1852-1867
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Borough Township, Beaver County1841-46 Mercer,Mercer County 1850 Rochester, Beaver County 1860 Mercer, Mercer County 1880.
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
The Angstadt family of gun makers is the dynasty of makers in Berks County. The family consisted of ten craftsmen who made complete rifles for over 100 years. Centered primarily in Maxatawny, Greenwich, and Long Swamp Townships and the Kutztown area the family consisted of:
Adam 1st. – 1740 -1812
Peter Angstadt 1st. – 1738 – 1782
Peter Angstadt II – 1763 -1815
Joseph Angstadt – 1765 – ?
Jacob Angstadt – 1783 -1843
Joseph Angstadt II – 1817 – 1872
Abraham Angstadt – 1784 – 1868
Peter Angstadt III – 1807 – 1870
Adam Angstadt II – 1821 – 1888
Although each of the Angstadt makers had their own style, similarities can be found and most Angstadt rifles are readily identified after some study. A common characteristic of their design could be defined as Pennsylvania “Dutchy”, with many of their guns as much folk art as firearm. Design motifs seen on some Angstadts have included unusual stars, flowers, lions and even hex signs, along with unique patch box designs.
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Angstadt (Anstat) was taxed as a gunsmith in Rockland Township, Berks Co., at the beginning of the 19th century.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Rockland Township
School: Kutztown (Pennsylvania/PA)
In 1800, Joseph Angstadt was taxed as a gunsmith in Maxatawny Twp., Berks County. Seventeen years later he was taxed in Kutztown, PA.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Rockland Township
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Adam Angstadt was taxed as a gunsmith at the dawn of the 19th century in Maxatawny Twp., Berks Co., PA. Rifles with “A A” on the top of the barrel can be assumed to have been made by this man
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Kutztown Borough
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Greenwich Township
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 1858-59.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in German Township Fayette County 1811. New Salem,Fayette County 1813-1825, 1828-1855.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Peters Township, Washington County 1807 to 1818. Worked in New Sewickley Township, Beaver County 1819 to 1836.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Sewickley Township,Allegheny county in 1860.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in German Township, Fayette County in 1850 to 1852.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Cocalico Township, 1800-Only
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
County records cite a Metschl Aldenderfer, gunsmith, working in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., PA. Not much is known about the man; some scholars have dated him as working as early as the 1760’s. Researcher Sam Dyke was able to find only one tax record for him…1800.
Thomas John Albright (1808-1890)was taxed as a gunsmith from 1835-1840 in Stroudsburg, PA, the county seat of Monroe County, PA. He moved west and set up shop in St. Louis, MO, where ran a family business with his sons Thomas John, Jr., and William. Primarily makers of percussion longrifles.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Andrew Albright (1770-1822), son of Andreas Albrecht, was documented by scholar Sam Dyke as a gunsmith working in Nazareth in the 1790-1822 period.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Warwick Township, Lititz, Pa., 1814-1820
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Born August 5, 1772 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Died January 27, 1845. Son of grand master Andreas Albrecht. Documented as a maker in Lititz/Warwick Twp. as early as 1792. It appears that Henry was a peripatetic gunmaker, moving west to Cumberland County and then to Ohio, later to return to the Moravian communities of Lititz (Lancaster Co.) and Nazareth (Lehigh Co.)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in East Birmingham, Allegheny County in1870 to 1871.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Andreas Albrecht (1718-1802) was one of the patriarchs of Pennsylvania gun building. Born in Germany, he came to America in 1750 and served as the master gunsmith at the Moravian settlement of Christian Springs, the initial place where guns were built within the Lehigh Valley, near present-day Nazareth. Albrecht left the settlement in 1771 and moved to Lititz, a Moravian community in Lancaster County, PA, where he continued gun building. Albrecht was the master of William Henry, Jr. Only one signed A. Albrecht rifle is known to exist today.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Warwick Township, Lititz, Pa., 1772-1800
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Working dates: 1845-1860 Born 1800 Died ? Worked in the Borough of McConnellstown, Walker Township.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Washington, Washington County 1824 to1860. Worked in Canonsburg, Washington County in 1870.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in Pittsburgh, Allegheny county 1857 to 1860. Worked in Wheeling, Ohio county, West Virginia 1862 to 1866.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Smith, Elizabeth Township, 1837-1843
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lampeter Township, 1777
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Gunsmith, locksmith) Allegheny, Allegheny County (1870-72)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1805 in Germany) Greensburg, Westmoreland County (1856-66)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg/Lynn Township. Also known as last name Snider and Snyder.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lynn Township. Other spellings of last name, Snider and Snyder.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Township, 1793
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Schreit is listed as a gunsmith in Cocalico Twp., Lancaster Co., as early as 1777. (Dyke)
School: Harrisonburg/Rockingham (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1864-80; Iron City Gun Works 1864-77)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Abraham Schweitzer is listed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Boro in the mid-19th century. He was the brother-in-law to gunsmith Melchior Fordney.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Martic Township, 1803-1808
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lived in Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County. Died in 1812.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Elizabeth Township, 1800-1813
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1797-1803
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1802-1803
School: Littlestown (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Littlestown (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Littlestown (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1788
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Bullskin Township, Fayette County (1820-29) Connellsville, Fayette County (1830-34)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1848; African American) Canonsburg, Washington County (1870)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1823-1833
School: Augusta/Staunton (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Augusta/Staunton (Virginia/VA)
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information is available.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Blacksmith, gunsmith) Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1817-31)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Daniel Shell (d.1864), the son of Martin Shell, Jr., and brother of John, was taxed as a gunsmith in Lower Paxton Twp., Dauphin County, PA, from 1825 through 1847.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Shell (1795-1875) was taxed as a gunsmith in West Hanover Twp., east of Harrisburg, from 1817 through 1871. He built fine flintlocks and percussion rifles and was one of the few makers to number his rifles as well as sign them. He was one of the few men in the region to carry the traditional style of gunbuilding beyond the Civil War period. His father was Martin Shell, one of the grand masters of the Dauphin County school.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Heidleberg Township, 1770-1774
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Martin Shell, Sr. (1737-1796) built both Committee of Safety muskets for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and flintlock rifles. He was an early influence in the Dauphin school and the patriarch of three generations of fine gunbuilders within Dauphin County. Shell was taxed as a gunsmith in Paxton Township.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Martin Shell, Jr., (1763-1817) was taxed as a gunsmith in Paxton Twp. Dauphin County, PA from 1790 to the time of his death. He was the father of John, Jacob and Daniel Shell, all gunsmiths. While some sources list only one Martin Shell, it is most likely that there was Martin Sr., a maker of muskets and a few fine rifles in the earliest period, and that his son, Martin Jr., was the maker of many of the golden-age specimens which reflect the Dauphin school at its finest. Rifles signed “Martin Shell” are rare. A few specimens can be seen in Kindig’s 1960 text, Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age, G. Shumway, Publisher.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Union Township. Approx. working dates: 1819-1823 Born:1799 Died:1871
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1800-13) Richland Township, Clarion County (1814-23) Beaver Township, Venango County (1824-39) Beaver Township, Clarion County (1840-59)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Died 1810) Township Westmoreland County (1802-10 Derry)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Paxton Township, 1779-1782
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1761 in Lancaster County) German Township, Fayette County (1809-27)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1838-1839
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Levi Shreckengost 1842 to 1940 was a gunsmith and civil war veteran having been captured and held at Andersonville Prison. He was his fathers apprentice, but his gunsmithing career ended when he left for the civil war. Very little is know of his work except this pictured quilted maple halfstock rifle.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lincoln Shreckengost, 1865 to 1948, another son of William G. Shreckengost. Lincoln was a gunsmith and store owner in Putneyville and his fathers apprentice. His work was mostly in the repair of guns, but he did make guns as well. Photo of a rifle shotgun combination made by him.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
William G. Shreckengost, 1818-1894 Pennsylvania born, son of gunsmith John Schrecengost born 1776. Wm was a prolific maker of Pennsylvania rifles from the 1830s to the 1880s. A full time gunsmith all his life, he made percussion sporting rifles, target/bench rifles, several swivel breech rifles and a limited number of pistols in his shop along the Mahoning Creek at Putneyville, PA. He was a talented engraver even up to two years before his death.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1763. Casper (Deed Book H) Shreid.
School: Littlestown (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information is available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1805-06) Grafton, Taylor County, (West) Virginia (1807-27)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
H. Shultz, a late maker of percussion arms, working out of Richland, Lebanon Co., PA, 1861. (Kauffman, 1960)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Taneytown, Frederick County, Maryland (1801-04) Lancaster, Lancaster County (1810-11) Pitt Township, Allegheny County (1819-30) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1832)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1810-1811
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1788-1814
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Smith, W. Cocalico Township, 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Smith, E. Cocalico Township, 1850
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Barree Township. Worked in the 1850’s. Born: 1830. Apprenticed to Peter Smith.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 180?, died 1892) Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1826-31) Washington Township, Westmoreland County (1832-90)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1844; apprentice of D.J. McDonald) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1860-72)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1794-1854
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Siple was apprenticed to Jacob Haeffer in Lancaster Boro as early as 1797. He moved to Middletown, PA where he was taxed as a gunsmith from 1808 to 1825. He worked in town as well as in contiguous Swatara Township, Dauphin County. He died circa 1827. Some of his products show a strong Lancaster stock profile, while others have a curvilinear shape to the stock comb.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Approx. working dates: 1805-1862. Born: 1782 Died:1862.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1802-06) New Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio (1807-12)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1818, died 1900) Clinton, Allegheny County (1838) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County ( 1865-67) Crescent Township, Allegheny County (1867) New Castle, Lawrence County (1870-72) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1892)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1810) Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1832-55)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Murrysville, Westmoreland County (1861)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Gunsmith, blacksmith) Salem Township, Westmoreland County (1802-10)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1819
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of New Berlin, Union Township. Approx. working dates: 1825-1828.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Mifflin Co. working dates:1830-1839
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henderson Township. Approx. working dates:1844-1845
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Barree Township. Approx working dates: 1845-1850
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Barree Township. Approx. working dates: 1825-1870 Born: 1796
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Barree Township, Worked in the 1850’s Born:1823 Died:1878
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Redstone Township, Fayette County (1823-31)
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Stoeffel Smith was a gunmaker working in Reading from the late 1700s until 1820. His rifles reflect a strong influence by Wolfgang Haga with similar stock profiles and raised carving behind the cheek piece. Since both worked in Reading at the same time, it is possible Smith worked with Haga in some capacity. Many of the samples of his work extant are rugged swivel rifles engraved with his signature and a date on a large brass side plate.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Smith Township, Washington County (1827-28)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1797) Bullskin Township, Fayette County (1820-23) Dover Township, Tuscarawas County, Ohio (1830-50)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Sneevely, gunsmith, Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., PA, taxed in the trade as early as 1817.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Derry Township, 1757. (Will Book B – Page 325)
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lynn Township, Northampton County, 1780-1783, Tax List-Easton
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, 1848, Tax List-Lehigh Co
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Heidelbert Township, Lehigh County, 1848, Tax List-Lehigh Co.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1823) Flatwood, Fayette County (1860-61)
School: Shenandoah (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Shenandoah (Virginia/VA)
No biographical information available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1808 in Pennsylvania) Huntsburgh Township, Geauga County, Ohio (1850) Raccoon Township, Beaver County (1856-93)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Biographical Information:
Raccoon Township, Beaver County (1887-1900)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1839-1854
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Gunsmith, locksmith) Sharpsburg, Allegheny County (1878-96)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Christian Stall, gunsmith, 1817 tax list, working out of Harrisburg, PA. Builder of flintlocks.
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Beavertown, Todd Township. Working dates: 1854-1890. Born:1833 Died:1900
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Todd Township. Born:1874 Died:1950
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Orbisonia, Cromwell Township. Born 1850 Died: 1870
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Todd Township. Working dates: 1900-1930. Born:1869 Died 1950
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Todd Township. Worked in the 1880’s. Born: 1863 Died:1908 Apprentice of James Stapelton.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1817-30)
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Union Township. Approx.working dates:1824-1833
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Uniontown, Fayette County (1810-12)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hanover Township, York County (1793) South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County (1796-1802) Shenango Township, Beaver County (later Lawrence County) (1803-22)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1799-1800)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1777, died 1819) Mifflin Township, Allegheny County (1800-19)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1759
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1792) Unity Township, Westmoreland County (1835-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
West Jefferson, Butler County (1810)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1807) Buffalo Township, Butler County (1850) Butler, Butler County (1860) Brady’s Bend Township, Armstrong County (1866) Beaver Falls, Beaver County (1870) Butler, Butler County (1872-84)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1839; son of Andrew Strawick, Jr.) Butler, Butler County (1860-61) Brady’s Bend Township, Armstrong County (1865-72) Butler, Butler County (1872-1920)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Gunsmith, locksmith, machinist) Birmingham, Allegheny County (1856-59)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1801 in Saxony, Germany; gunsmith, whitesmith) Philadelphia (1826-32) Saxonburg, Butler County (1832-80)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1832; son of Christian Stuebgen) Saxonburg, Butler County (1850) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1860-65) Saxonburg, Butler County (1870) Butler, Butler County (1878)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1832; son of Christian Stuebgen) Saxon, Butler County (1880)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(George Sutton, Andrew Dunseth) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1797-1800)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Lancaster, Lancaster County (1795) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1796-1810) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (merchant) (1813-26)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Adam Sweigart, gunsmith, Halifax, Dauphin Co., appears on tax lists 1815, 1817. (Kauffman, 1960)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1849 (Brother-in-Law to M. Fordney)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Locksmith, Lancaster Boro., 1829
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
D. Sweitzer was listed on tax records as a locksmith in Lancaster Boro as early as 1829. Although he may not have built guns, his signed locks appear on many rifles built in and around Lancaster. Some can be found with the “Z” reversed in the name.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny Arsenal, Allegheny County (1819)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
West Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1788-1828)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1785-1802
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1818) Waynesburg, Greene County (1842-90)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Biographical Information:
(Born 1796) Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania (1814; apprentice of Asa McClelland) Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio (1816-61)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Fort Pitt (1763)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1822 in England) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1848-62; Enterprise Gun Works)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1836) Washington, Washington County (1858-80)
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Antis Township. Born: 1805
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information is available.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Died 1840) Gettysburg, Adams County (1801-12) Hampshire County, (West) Virginia (1819-20) Napier Township, Bedford County (1832-35) Youngstown, Westmoreland County (1838-40)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1813) Youngstown, Westmoreland County
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1813) Youngstown, Westmoreland County (1839-51)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1808 in Maryland) Carmichaels, Greene County (1860) Cumberland Township, Greene County (1870-80)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1802-03)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Elizabeth Township, 1847-1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Lock Maker, Lancaster Boro., 1814-1841
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1829-1830
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1807-1840
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Bullskin Township, Fayette County (1799-1808)
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Unholtz, gunsmith, Lykens Twp., Dauphin Co., PA, tax lsit 1825. (Kauffman)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Gunsmith, blacksmith) Hopewell Township, Washington County (1791-1813) Orange Township, Richland County, Ohio (1814)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburg, Allegheny County (1856-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Gunsmith, blacksmith) Morris Township, Washington County (1791-1834)
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Worked in Old Salem, North Carolina around 1800. Signed barrel, “C. Vogler Salem, N.C.”
Metal engraving may have been done by John Vogler.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed barrel, “Ge Vogler Salisbury”. George Vogler may have worked in Salisbury, NC. His work is typically Salem School in style.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)
Signed barrel, “Jon Vogler Salem N.C.” Exceptional engraver and known for his eagle patchbox finial. Also known as a silversmith. May have engraved metal parts for other Vogler family gunsmiths.
Source:
Bivins, John. Longrifles of North Carolina, 2nd. Edition. York, PA: George Shumway Publisher, 2006. Print.
School: Allemeangel (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greenwich Township
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1802-03) Morris Township, Knox County, Ohio (1804-30)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Walker, Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro, 1780-1807. (Dyke)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Georges Township, Fayette County (1799-1803) Mt. Vernon, Knox County, Ohio (1804-1816)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1826)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1816 in New York) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1839) Freeport, Armstrong County (1850-68) Franklin, Venango County (1870-78) Freeport, Armstrong County (1880-90)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Cocalico Township, 1820-1830
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Jonestown, 1771-1779
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Approx. working dates:1819-1835. Born:1790
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1810 in New York) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1860)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gun Barrel Forger, Elizabeth Township, 1850
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1800-1848
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Listed as a gunsmith in Lancaster Borough between 1802 and 1821.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
No biographical information available.
School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jacob Welshantz (Welshance) Jr., son of York gunsmith J. Welshantz, worked in Harrisburg in the 1807-1811 period. He then moved to York where he carried on the family trade through 1831.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1870-71) Allegheny, Allegheny County (1872-88)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny, Allegheny County (1874-75)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
East Bethlehem Township, Washington County (1809-11)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Fallowfield Township, Washington County (1897-09) Millisboro, Washington County (1810-30)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Millsboro, Washington County (1813-18)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1837) Washington, Washington County (1860)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Manor Township, 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Allegheny Arsenal, Allegheny County (1819)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1816-18)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Little Britain Township, 1840
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1800 in Maryland; son of Peter White) New Phadelphia, Tuscarawas County, Ohio (1821-24) Steubenville, Ohio (1830-31) Uniontown, Fayette County (1834-42) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1842-58) Rochester, Beaver County (1859-61) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1864-69)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1818) Allegheny, Allegheny County (1850)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1778, died 1834) Bedford, Bedford County (1806) Colerain Township, Bedford County (1807-14) Bedford, Bedford County (1815-18) Uniontown, Fayette County (1819-34)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Uniontown, Fayette County (1828-29)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Hardware dealers) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1836-58)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Hardware dealer) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1858-72)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Morgan Township, Greene County (1818-23) Buffalo Township, Washington County (1824-27)
School: Maryland
Emmitsburg Marine Tyler Wickham was born on January 3, 1780. On March 11, 1799, his mother bound this orphan to John Armstrong to learn the trade of a gunsmith and a locksmith. After completing his training in 1801 he worked in the gunsmith business with a man by the name of Matthews. In the 1800 census there were seven Matthews families in the Emmitsburg area. During 1802 Wickham purchased lot No. 11 in Emmitsburg and the two smiths continues working together. In the summer of 1804 he came to the Harpers Ferry. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County (1811-12) Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County (1813-18) Franklin Township, Fayette County (1818-22) Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County (1822-26) South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County (1827-44)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pike Run Township, Washington County (1804-10)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1789 in Virginia) Greene Township, Greene County (1816-22) Monongahela Township, Greene County (1824-26) Clarksville, Greene County (1827-30) Morris Township, Washington County (1833-56)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1843-1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Greene Township, Greene County (1820-22) Monongahela Township, Greene County (1824-27) Morgan Township, Greene County (1831)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1800) Greene Township, Greene County (1817-23) Monongahela Township, Greene County (1823-33) Georges Township, Fayette County (1833-38) Allaince, Stark County, Ohio (1850-60)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Morris Township, Washington County (1839-41)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1842)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Leacock Township, 1780-1810
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1830 in Baden) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1858-65)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Michael Withers was an early maker in Lancaster County, working out of Strasburg Twp. in from the 1750’s; then his nephew (also Michael) was active in the trade in Lancaster Boro, circa 1786-1813, reported Sam and Mary Dyke in 1969.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Strasburg Township, 1758
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1786-1813
School: Maryland
Amos W. Wolf was a gunsmith in Terra Alta, Preston County, (West) Virginia. He chose to fight with the Union Army and his only apparent association with Maryland was his enlistment in Captain Will Falkenstine’s Frederick Company of the 3rd Maryland Federal Regiment in March of 1864. He served as a regimental armorer and gunsmith. He then returned to Preston County where he continued to farm and make home rifles. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Maryland
Frederick County Elmer P. Wolf was born March 31, 1868, a son of Herman and Mary Gordon Wolf. He was reared at Foxville and learned the gunsmithing trade from his father. He married Eliza Jane Stottlemyer and had a sawmill and made guns in Eyler’s Valley north of Thurmont. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1850
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1787-1808)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1852)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Hardware dealers) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850-57)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Hardware dealer, successor to Wolff and Lane) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1859-70)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
German Township, Fayette County (1816-18)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1810 in Ireland) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1850; with James Little)
School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
Jeese Worley was a gun maker and owner of a gun barrel factory along the Wyomissing Creek in Cumru Township from 1788 until 1838. Two of his sons, John and Henry worked in the factory making gun barrels until 1890. Rifles signed with J. Worley or J.W. are found to have the classic Berks County “Roman-nose” stock and a Haga style patchbox design.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1797) Donegal Township, Washington County (1822-32) Buffalo Township, Washington County (1833-35) Donegal Township, Washington County (1836-42) East Finley Township, Washington County (1843-52)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1797) Richhill Township, Greene County (1832-51)
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Boro., 1837
School: Huntingdon (Pennsylvania/PA)
Borough of Birmingham, Warriors Mark Township. Approximate working dates: 1850-1880. Born:1822 Died after 1900.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lebanon Township, 1779-1785
School: Hampshire (West Virginia/WV)
No biographical information available.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Henry Young, along with brother John, built solid flintlocks in the early period ( circa 1774-1784). He was located in Easton, PA.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
John Young worked in Easton, Northampton County, PA. An early maker, he built Committee of Safety muskets during the revolution and continued building flintlocks into the early 19th century. Both John and his brother Henry were builders of excellent rifles, yet their styles are more personal than they are representative of classic Lehigh/Northampton architecture.
School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)
Peter Young worked in Easton, PA in the early 19th Century.
School: Lancaster (Pennsylvania/PA)
Gunsmith, Lancaster Borough, 1813-1819.
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
(Born 1827 in Germany) Pittsburgh, Allegheny County (1857-63)
School: Western Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania/PA)
Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County (1827-29) Adamsburg, Westmoreland County (1845-89)
School: York (Pennsylvania/PA)
Worked in York in the late 18th century.
Copyright © The Kentucky Rifle Foundation. All Rights Reserved · We aggressively protect our copyrights.
The Kentucky Rifle Foundation · Preserving the Heritage of the Kentucky Rifle ℠
Web Design and Maintenance by JW Web Solutions